1. State law provides you with two options:
   
   A)  SEALING (there was a PLEA and a WITHHOLD of ADJUDICATION)
   
   B)  EXPUNGEMENT (no plea; the charge was either               
        DROPPED, NEVER FILED or DISMISSED)
   
   
2. You can only CHOOSE ONE of the two options (i.e. you can either seal OR expunge a charge)
   
   
3. Use the CHECKLIST below to assist you in completing your application.  Each paragraph applies to an application for either a sealing or an expungement unless noted.  We cannot give legal advice.

___ Obtain an Application from the Clerk of the Court's Office.

       NOTE: The application is the same for both a sealing and an expungement;
       however, your Petition and Order must a) specify which option you are
       pursuing, and b) specify the same option.

___ Obtain a Certified Copy of the Final Disposition of 
       the charge from the Clerk of the Court's Office.

___ The petitioner cannot have any criminal convictions (i.e. an adjudication) or
       juvenile delinquencies for any crime specified in Florida Statute 943.051(3)(B)
       prior to the date of the petition.

___ Certain charges cannot be sealed or expunged - EVEN IF YOU RECEIVED A 
       WITHHOLD OF ADJUDICATION.  See the list of ineligible charges in the 
       sealing/expungement package.

___ The petitioner has not had a prior sealing or expungement for any other
       charge.  Exception for ten year sealing requirement prior to expungement (will
       need order sealing charge).

___ The petitioner does not have any other petitions to seal or expunge pending 
       ANYWHERE.

___ Complete and notarize Section A of the Application of Eligibility (directions are
       on the back).

___ FOR EXPUNGEMENTS ONLY: The State Attorney's Office (City Hall Annex) 
       signs SECTION B.

___ Obtain a Fingerprint Card (the Jacksonville's Sheriff's Office will fingerprint you
       for a fee).

___ Obtain a Money Order or Cashier's Check in the amount of $75.00 made
       payable to: FDLE.

___ Mail the Application, Disposition, Fingerprint Card and Fee to FDLE (address on
       back of Application).

___ FDLE will notify the petitioner by mail regarding whether the petition was
       granted.