Clearing a record in DeSoto County

Your steps

1. Optional: see your own record firstFDLE personal review — FDLE says up to 30 working days
2. Get your fingerprint cardDeSoto County Sheriff's Office — or any law enforcement or criminal justice agency that takes printsOne place in DeSoto County — where to get fingerprinted ↓
3. Get a certified disposition of your caseDeSoto County Clerk of the Circuit Court115 E Oak St, Room 101, Arcadia, FL 34266 (map, opens in a new tab) · Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Eastern time (closed noon–1 p.m.)
4. Apply to FDLE for your certificate of eligibility (for expungement, with the state attorney's or statewide prosecutor's statement)The Florida Department of Law EnforcementYour application, signed before a notary or a deputy clerk, with your fingerprint card, the certified disposition and the fee (unless FDLE's executive director waives it) · FDLE says about 10 weeksExpunging? The State Attorney's office for the 12th Judicial Circuit (or the statewide prosecutor) completes page 2 of the application, the written certified statement, if your record meets the criteria.The law, in plain language: § 943.0585 (expunging) · § 943.059 (sealing)
5. We prepare your petition documents Expeal We create the documents for you to file
6. File your petitionDeSoto County Clerk of the Circuit Court115 E Oak St, Room 101, Arcadia, FL 34266 (map, opens in a new tab) · Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Eastern time (closed noon–1 p.m.)
7. The judge rulesDeSoto County, 12th Judicial CircuitIf the petition is granted, the clerk sends certified copies of the order to the state attorney (or the statewide prosecutor) and the arresting agency, and it goes on to FDLE, the FBI and every other agency that received your record