Domestic violence allegations can affect more than family relationships. The domestic violence charges could result in penalties of up to a year in jail and hefty fines that can stay in your record of criminal convictions for the rest of time. However, can you take a domestic violence case off your record through sealing or expunging the charge, particularly in cases where you’re not guilty?
In this article an attorney from Reeplaw working with Randy Reep provides us tips to help to understand the situations in which domestic violence charges can get removed from your criminal record.
A Plea of Guilty or No Contest Will Prevent You From Sealing the Case
In Florida the crime of domestic violence can be a crime charge in Florida. It is also just one of 35 criminal charges in Florida that are not removed or sealed regardless of whether the adjudication was withheld. However, this doesn’t mean that being simply indicted for domestic violence will lead to being unable to erase the charge off your record. But, it’s how you resolve the matter that can keep you eligible to remove it!
When you have pleaded guilty, or make a no contest to the charge of domestic violence and you are convicted, it is not possible to have the domestic violence conviction removed out of your criminal record. The plea you enter into will be public record. If you’re found not guilty, the case could be sealed or expunged and thus not be in your records. If the charge is changed to a non-domestic-violence crime, like “disorderly conduct,” you are also legally able to seal the case provided that an adjudication has not been made. Also, getting a dismissal of the charge via the Pre-Trial Diversion Program permits sealing your arrest record as well as the court proceedings, as in the event that you haven’t been previously found guilty of any other crime.
Do Not Violate No-Contact Orders
You must comply with any order to not contact the person you believe to be the victim. In violation of a court order for No Contact could cause an ADDITIONAL charge and could subject you to further sanctions that will make it difficult to erase or seal the conviction from your record. This is true even if the original domestic battery charges were dismissed.
Hire an Experienced Pinellas County Domestic Violence Attorney
Domestic violence cases can be a bit complicated in Florida. It is common to receive the designation of “No Bond” after arrest and then be detained until you are seen by the judge within 24 hours of your arrest. Judges from Pinellas County routinely order No Contact with the person who is accused of being the victim until a hearing is scheduled to decide if there’s any concern about a repeat incident or if the alleged victim is in danger. For added repercussions Domestic violence cases are not sealed or exempted until you’ve resolved the situation so that it is possible for that case sealed or exempted. It is clear that anyone who faces a case with serious consequences must contact an attorney. Pinellas County domestic violence attorney.
An attorney’s involvement is not a sign that you’re not innocent. An attorney can assist you through the entire step of your matter. The lawyer will try to reach a resolution to the issue that is in your best interests.
If you’ve been arrested and accused of domestic violence and have been charged with domestic violence, a good lawyer will be able to assist. Your lawyer will go over the best way to handle your case, and give you clear advice on the best defense options available.
Contact us
The Law Offices of Randy Reep
6720 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32211 United States
Phone: 904-543-3975
Email: Randy@ReepLaw.com
Company Hours: Mon to Fri 8:30 to 5:30
Owner Name: Randy Reep
Website: https://reeplaw.com
