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From No Conviction to Eviction?: How Getting an Expungement Right Away Can Save You a Lot of Grief, says Criminal Lawyer

From No Conviction to Eviction?: How Getting an Expungement Right Away Can Save You a Lot of Grief, says Criminal Lawyer

From No Conviction to Eviction?: How Getting an Expungement Right Away Can Save You a Lot of Grief, says Criminal Lawyer

 

At the conclusion of a case, we always tell our clients that we hope to never see them again. We mean it in the best way possible – we never want them to have to navigate the criminal justice system ever again!

 

It pains us when a client whose case we got dismissed years ago comes running back to our office in a complete panic when her Florida arrest record now has her on the verge of being homeless. This happens more often than you would think, and it’s something that can be avoided 99% of the time.

 

A few years ago I had a client named Sarah who was arrested on drug charges of possession of Vyvanse, a controlled substance that is perfectly legal with a doctor’s prescription. 

 

The only criminal thing Sarah did in this case was taking the pills in public without having the actual prescription bottle with her. She was an excellent student who had never been in trouble before. She simply made a mistake by not having the prescription bottle on her. This was a very simple case and we were able to get it dismissed within a month.

 

Immediately after the case was dismissed, we urged Sarah to get her record expunged, as we do with all of my clients who qualify for an expungement. Expungement is a court-ordered process in which the legal record of an arrest or a criminal conviction is destroyed or erased in the eyes of the law. The reason I recommend beginning the expungement process immediately is to prevent your record from interfering with your future employment and housing prospects. Even if you weren’t convicted of a crime, the arrest and charges will still appear in a background check and most people will still not like to see a criminal arrest there.

 

After listening to my explanation, Sarah still decided that she wanted to hold off on the expungement. Three years later I got a frantic phone call from her mother, who told me that Sarah is about to be homeless.

 

Sarah had signed a lease for a new apartment and was ready to move in, when three days before her move-in date the complex notified her that she was being denied because of her arrest record. They wanted to get this resolved as soon as possible and asked me if we could do the expungement super quick.

 

Unfortunately, I had to give them the bad news – there is no quick expungement. The process takes between nine and twelve months to complete. That’s another reason why I always recommend my clients start the process right away.

 

Ultimately, we did get Sarah’s case expunged, but she still had to go through the very stressful process of finding new last-minute housing. And this happens more than you’d think. 

 

Many clients (especially younger ones) don’t realize the importance of clearing your record. Even if you did absolutely nothing wrong, just like Sarah, any potential employer could refuse to hire you after finding out through a background check that you were arrested, especially if he has another candidate with the same exact qualifications and no record. 

 

Housing associations could refuse to lease you an apartment. And these situations, which could have been avoided, quickly end up becoming a nightmare for you.

Schedule a Free Consultation to See if you qualify for an Expungement in South Florida 

There are a number of different types of Expungements in Florida. If you’re in the South Florida Tri-County Area and you think you may qualify for an expungement, give our office a call to see if you qualify and if we can help you get your Florida Criminal record expunged.  

 

Give us a call today to get help now:

  • Fort Lauderdale: (754) 206-6200
  • Sunrise: (754) 999-2499
  • Boca Raton: (561) 880-8181

Attorney Adam Rossen

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South Florida Criminal & DUI Defense Attorney
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Second DUI, 0.19 Breath
DUI Charge Dismissed
Federal Child Porn Possession
Mandatory Prison Time Avoided
Attempted Murder
Charges Dismissed
Google Reviews
kevin tabronkevin tabron
00:07 08 Sep 22
In one of the most stressful times in my life, Rossen Law Firm was there for me. Leaving no stone unturned they provided patience and knowledge in every detail of my case. I’m very thankful and proud of this law firm family and especially of my lawyer, Scott Simmons for guiding, defending and helping me in every way possible. He and this law firm family come highly recommended from personal experience!!!
Jason HigleyJason Higley
15:24 26 Aug 22
I had an unfortunate situation with a family member that lead to my arrest and being charged with DV Battery. This was the first time I had ever been arrested so I was very nervous and afraid of what was going to happen to me. After talking with Adam I decided to retain him and let me tell you this was the BEST decision I could have ever made. Adam made me feel so comfortable and confident that everything will turn out the best in my favor. He is professional, ethical and supportive. He was always available too answer any questions or concerns.Not to mention, his team at the office is awesome they are so friendly and welcoming. Anytime I had a question when I called the office they were able to guide me in the rightdirection. They always were in contact with me with any information or updates regarding my case. Adams team is GREAT!Adam delivered, my case was DISMISSED. So if you want an attorney the is gonna fight for you and get the job done retain the BEST there is Adam Rossen!!!
Felix I HFelix I H
13:27 28 Jul 22
Adam Rossen and the team at Rossen Law took great care in handling my case. They are very professional, and get the job done. I was particular relieved to see just how much empathy they showed with me, and how effortless it was to be their client.I literally visited them twice. My initial consultation, and then to pickup the final docs. I have nothing but great things to say about these folks, and I would highly recommend them to anyone. Thanks Guys.
Terry ChristopherTerry Christopher
12:32 09 May 22
I had an amazing experience with The Rossen Law Firm. The staff were very professional. Attorney Susan Lawson went above and beyond working on my case. We were thoroughly prepared for trial. Mrs. Lawson reviewed hours of body and dash camera footage multiple times and aggressively performed depositions on witnesses and law enforcement.The final outcome for me was the state dropped my case, due to the great work Susan and the Rossen team performed. I didn’t even need to go to trial.This law firm does not play around. They pay attention to detail and they FIGHT FOR YOU!Thank you Adam, team, and a special thank you to Susan for your amazing work! I really appreciate you.
Ketiana ProvinceKetiana Province
20:27 23 Mar 22
My experience with Rossen Law Firm was excellent. From the consultation to the end.. My attorney Susan Lawson gave my son's case all the time and attention that was needed to be successful in court. She was confident during all the court proceedings. My favorite part was when she said we are family, never once my son and I were treated other then that. I very much appreciate the knowledge and support I received through Rossen Law Firm.
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