Is It Too Late to Seal or Expunge Your Florida Record? The Answer is No.

Many people with an old criminal charge from years or even decades ago believe they’ve missed their chance to clear their record. They assume there must be a statute of limitations or a deadline for filing.

I’m here to tell you that is absolutely not true. In Florida, there is no deadline for sealing or expunging your criminal history.

Whether your case finished yesterday, last year, or 20 years ago, your right to petition the court for a clean slate remains. I have helped many clients erase a mistake from their distant past that was still holding them back today. It is never too late to start.

Have an Old Arrest Record in Orlando Holding You Back? It’s never too late to get a clean slate. The process is lengthy, so the sooner you start, the sooner you’re free. Call my office to begin. Call John Guidry: (407) 423-1117

The Process Timeline: Why It’s Better to Start Now

While you can start at any time, it’s important to know that the process itself is not instant. From start to finish, sealing or expunging a record in Florida typically takes about seven to twelve months. This timeline can vary depending on the specific case and the workloads of the prosecutor’s office and the judge.

Because the process is lengthy, the sooner you begin, the sooner you can stop worrying about that old charge showing up on a background check.

“The Best Time to Plant a Tree Was 20 Years Ago. The Second Best Time is Today.”

This ancient proverb perfectly captures the situation. The ideal time to clear your record was right after your case ended. But the second best time is right now.

Don’t let regret over not acting sooner stop you from securing a better future today. Florida law allows you to erase a past mistake. You have earned that right, and you ought to use it.

The process of sealing or expunging a record is one of the most rewarding things we do for our clients. If you have an old charge from Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Brevard, or Volusia County that you’re ready to put behind you for good, call my office. Let’s plant that tree today.

About John Guidry II

John Guidry II is a seasoned criminal defense attorney and founder of the Law Firm of John P. Guidry II, P.A., located in downtown Orlando next to the Orange County Courthouse, where he has practiced for over 30 years. With more than three decades of experience defending clients throughout Central Florida since 1993, Guidry has successfully defended thousands of cases in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Lake, and Volusia counties. He has built a reputation for his strategic approach to criminal defense, focusing on pretrial motions and case dismissals rather than jury trials.

Guidry earned both his Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration from St. Louis University in 1993. He is a member of the Florida Bar and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. His practice encompasses the full spectrum of Florida state criminal charges, with a particular emphasis on achieving favorable outcomes through thorough pretrial preparation and motion practice.

Beyond the courtroom, Guidry is a prolific legal educator who has authored over 400 articles on criminal defense topics. He shares his legal expertise through his popular YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok accounts, where he has built a substantial following of people eager to learn about the law. His educational content breaks down complex legal concepts into accessible information for the general public.

When not practicing law, Guidry enjoys tennis and pickleball, and loves to travel. Drawing from his background as a former recording studio owner and music video producer in the Orlando area, he brings a creative perspective to his legal practice and continues to apply his passion for video production to his educational content.