St. Petersburg Sealing and Expungements Attorney
Dedicated Legal Help to Seal or Expunge Your Criminal Record
Sealing and expunging criminal records are legal processes designed to offer individuals a second chance. With these tools, certain records can be removed from public view or entirely destroyed, helping you protect your privacy and improve your quality of life.
For residents in St. Petersburg and across Pinellas County, we offer personalized guidance focused on your unique situation. Here is how we can assist:
- Records Review & Eligibility Assessment. Not everyone qualifies for sealing or expungement under Florida law. We will start by thoroughly reviewing your criminal records to determine if you meet the necessary requirements. If you’re unsure of what applies to your case, we can clarify your options and provide a roadmap.
- Managing the Paperwork. Starting the process of sealing or expunging your records in Florida involves preparing and submitting the required documentation. This includes ensuring all forms are correctly completed and delivered to the appropriate authorities. We provide guidance to help you manage the process and reduce the risk of errors.
- Court Petition Support. Once eligibility is approved, you’ll need to petition the appropriate court in Pinellas County. We will draft and file your petition, compile the required affidavits, and ensure you meet all deadlines. Additionally, we represent you during potential court hearings and work to effectively present your case to the judge.
- Clear Communication of Rights & Outcomes. Throughout the process, we’ll ensure you fully understand what sealing or expunging your record means, including any disclosure obligations that remain for specific jobs or legal proceedings. You will never be uncertain about where you stand.
You May Qualify for Sealing or Expungement of Criminal Records
Florida’s laws around sealing and expungement are detailed and rigid. Understanding who qualifies requires an often overwhelming review of legal statutes. Here is an overview of the key eligibility points.
When You May Qualify
- You have never been adjudicated guilty of any offenses, whether misdemeanors or felonies.
- You have not had a prior criminal history record sealed or expunged, whether in Florida or elsewhere.
- Your record in question involves a charge that was dismissed, dropped, or resulted in a withhold of adjudication.
Disqualifying Offenses
Certain categories of crimes are statutorily prohibited from sealing or expungement under Florida Statutes §§ 943.0585 and 943.059. These include:
- Sexual battery
- Lewd or lascivious offenses involving minors
- Drug trafficking charges
- Homicide or manslaughter
- Crimes involving child abuse or elderly abuse
A complete list can be referenced in Florida’s criminal codes, and we will review your case for any disqualifying factors.
If you’re not sure whether your case qualifies, reach out to us today. A consultation can clear up uncertainties, giving you a better understanding of your options.
Take the first step toward clearing your record. Contact us online or call (727) 353-6842 to schedule your free consultation in St. Petersburg, Florida.
What Sets Us Apart? Defense That Delivers
Get A Former Prosecutor On Your Side
-
Elite Experience
María Bastos is a former statewide prosecutor with a track record of handling complex, multi-county cases.
-
Client-First Advocacy
Our selective caseload ensures every client gets personalized attention and a strong legal strategy.
-
Fierce & Compassionate
We're tough in the courtroom, but deeply committed to guiding clients through criminal defense and family law matters with care.
-
Justice-Driven
We are passionate about defending the accused and advocating for victims when possible, always fighting for what’s right.
The Process of Sealing or Expunging Criminal Records & How Attorney Bastos Can Help You
The path to clearing your record is complicated and varies depending on whether you’re pursuing sealing or expungement. Below is an overview of what to expect, broken down into two parts to address each option.
How to Get Your Criminal Records Expunged in St. Petersburg, FL
Expungement involves the physical destruction or obliteration of your criminal record such that it no longer exists in most records systems. This is allowed only under specific conditions outlined in Florida law.
- Eligibility Determination. To be eligible, you cannot have been adjudicated guilty of any criminal offenses, and the criminal case in question must have resulted in a dismissal, a dropped charge, or a not-guilty verdict. Additionally, crimes like sexual assault, drug trafficking, and other serious offenses cannot be expunged. Arrests resolved via certain diversion programs may also qualify for expungement. If you’ve had a record sealed for at least 10 years and meet other requirements, you may be eligible to expunge it as well.
- Applying for the Certificate of Eligibility. The application process for this certificate includes obtaining fingerprints, securing certified copies of the case disposition from the Clerk of Courts in Pinellas County, and verifying the case meets the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's (FDLE) guidelines.
- Filing a Petition in Court. Upon receiving your certificate, we’ll handle the petition paperwork and written affidavits, filing them with the court. This generally involves serving notice to the state attorney.
- Court Hearing (If Required). If the state objects to your expungement petition, a hearing may be held where we advocate for you before the judge.
How to Get Your Criminal Records Sealed in St. Petersburg, FL
Sealing a record does not destroy it but makes it inaccessible to the public. It’s an alternative for cases that do not qualify for immediate expungement. The record remains archived, accessible only to law enforcement or by court order.
- Eligibility Criteria. Sealing criteria are similar to expungement, but unlike expungement, some convictions with a withhold of adjudication may qualify. Disqualifying factors include prior adjudications or convictions for specific offenses like arson or child abuse.
- Application & Petition. After determining eligibility, an application for a Certificate of Eligibility must be submitted to the FDLE. Once the certificate is obtained, we assist with formally petitioning the Pinellas County court to proceed with the sealing process.
- Court Order for Sealing. The final step involves a certified court order, which officially makes the record confidential.
Sealing and expunging records require meticulous attention to legal details. Working with Attorney María Bastos ensures that no procedural steps are overlooked and improves your chances for a favorable outcome.
Regain control of your future. Call (727) 353-6842 or contact us online now to schedule a free consultation on record sealing or expungement in St. Petersburg, FL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I required to disclose expunged or sealed records when applying for jobs?
For most civilian jobs, you are not legally required to disclose sealed or expunged records. However, exceptions exist for positions in law enforcement, schools, or childcare, among others.
How long does the process take?
Between obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility and petitioning the court, the entire process can take up to 12 months.
What is the cost of sealing or expunging records?
On average, the total costs typically range between $1,000 and $2,500, depending on the complexity of the case and specific requirements.
Can I seal or expunge multiple records?
Typically, Florida law allows only one sealing or expungement in a lifetime, unless other records directly relate to the same criminal case.
What if I had a prior sealing or expungement out of state?
Typically, having a record sealed or expunged in a different jurisdiction does not automatically disqualify you from pursuing relief in Florida.
Can my sealed or expunged record be accessed by anyone?
Sealed records can be accessed by law enforcement, while expunged records provide even greater restrictions.
Bastos Defense: We Believe You Deserve to Move Forward with Confidence
Addressing a criminal record can be daunting, but it is also a vital step toward reclaiming your future. Sealing or expunging your record can help you unlock opportunities that were previously out of reach.
Our office serves the diverse St. Petersburg community, including bilingual support in both English and Spanish. We are intimately familiar with the local legal system — from the Pinellas County Justice Center to the individual courts where your case will be heard. With thousands of cases resolved, we offer practical, personalized, and compassionate support tailored to the challenges you face.
Let us help you move towards the fresh start you deserve. Contact us online or call (727) 353-6842 for a virtual or in-office consultation.
-
"Top Notch Defense Attorney"Maria is a top notch defense attorney and I would highly recommend her and her services.- Lindsay C.
-
"Attorney Bastos Delivers the Attention You Deserve"Maria is an elite attorney. Her representation is distinct from others because she manages her caseload such that her clients are actually able to receive the attention they pay for and deserve.- Emily C.
-
"Highly Recommend!"María is awesome! I highly recommend choosing her, very trustworthy and dependable!- Ellie C.
-
"Would definitely recommend her to anyone"I have known Maria a very long time and would definitely recommend her to anyone who needed an effective, timely, and experienced defense attorney.- Ellie C.
-
"Highly Recommend"I highly recommend Maria for anyone dealing with a VOP (Violation of Probation) case. She was always on time, consistently showed up when I needed her, and most importantly, she won my case. Her professionalism and dedication gave me peace of mind throughout the process. Truly grateful for her support.- Chris C.
-
"Maria absolutely had my best interest at heart"
From my recent experiences in Pasco County with Attorney Maria D. Bastos of Bastos Defense, I can truly testify with great relief that the phrases “Where Fierce Defense Meets Compassionate Care” and “Your Future Is Worth The Fight” hit the bullseye in matching Maria’s profound talent, knowledge and ability as a Defense Attorney. Maria absolutely had my best interest at heart, and that is the whole truth and nothing but. An extraordinarily talented, caring, detailed and thorough lawyer. If I ever have any other legal issues, regardless of the area, trust me, I’ll call Maria first.
- Michael D., Port Richey, FL -
"The Absolute Best!!"Maria is the absolute best. She’s super easy to work with. And definitely goes the extra mile or should I say miles for her clients. From long talks on the phone. To hunting down your prosecutor to set up times to delegate with them. My last case was picked up by her when my original lawyer had left the office, she in almost no time got me the result I was looking for. You would think that because it was just a case thrown at her already started by someone else it would not mean as much to her. But I never got those vibes from her once. She’s great at making everything taking place in your case translated into to plane English. She will be my lawyer for life.- Dylan A.
-
"Highly Impressed"Very impressed with the professional service, the legal firm is a problem solving , any questions and concerns have been answered and addressed promptly. Bastos firm showed a deep understanding of the situation and demonstrated empathy throughout the legal process. Recommended 💯- Y. P.
At Bastos Defense, you get a fierce advocate on your side, with a compassionate and personalized approach to client care.
Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM
(5-7PM by appointment only)