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Step-by-step instructions

Every single thing we do when we seal or expunge criminal records.

Regardless of the state with the record you're clearing, there are a few tips to keep in mind:

Any time you have to mail something, make sure to mail it via certified mail, return receipt requested (the green card) or via priority mail (the red envelopes). The signature form and the tracking number are what you'll need in court if you have to prove you sent something.
For any fees you have to pay, try to use a certified check or money order if you can. If you have trouble affording the fees, contact the agnecy you have to pay and see if they have a financial hardship waiver - some do and some don't, but you don't get if you don't ask!
Good luck! We're always here and happy to help if you get stuck or decide to have us put everything together for you.

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Alabama

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Alaska

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Arizona

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Arkansas

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California

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Colorado

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Connecticut

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Delaware

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District of Columbia

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Florida

Please remember to read the Florida sealing and expungement statutes before getting started.

Steps to clear your record

Go to your local police or sheriff's station and get your fingerprints taken on the official fingerprint form. The cost of this varies based on the police station, so call to check to see what it costs before going there.
Draft and send FDLE a letter to obtain a review of your criminal history record. Include the following:
- An original of your fingerprints form.
Confirm there is no disqualifying information in your criminal history. Make a copy of it for your file.
Draft and send a letter to your local clerk and request a certified copy of your disposition. If you had any conditions associated with your sentence (eg, fines, probation, classes, community service, etc.), request a copy of whatever document confirms you have completed the terms as well. Include the following:
- A certified check for the costs to obtain a copy and have it certified - costs vary by county, so call and check first.
- A return envelope.
Confirm the court has an accurate copy of the final order. Make a copy of it for your file.
Draft and notarize the following:
- A certificate of eligibility.
- Exhibit A should be a copy of your background check and original fingerprints.
- Exhibit B should be a copy of the certified disposition of your case.
- Exhibit C, if necessary, should be a copy of the certified copy of the completion of your terms.
Follow (1) if you are expunging your record and follow (2) if you are sealing your record.
- If you're expunging your record, send a copy of the notarized document to the state attorney's office first. Once you have the signature from your prosecutor, send the package to FDLE.
- If you're sealing your record, you can skip the state attorney's office and send your package straight to FDLE. FDLE will give you your certificate of eligibility.
Draft and send a letter to your local clerk, to file your petition to Expeal. Include the following:
- Your original petition with all the exhibits plus the certificate of eligibility and affidavit in support of your petition.
- A blank copy of a proposed order.
- A copy of all of the above, separated from everything else with a paper-clip or alligator clip so it doesn't get mixed up with the original.
- A request for a certified copy of the order in your case.
- A certified check for the filing fee.
- A certified check for the certified copy.
- A return envelope.
You may have to attend a hearing to get your order or it may just come in the mail, but the final step is to keep that certified copy safe!
Celebrate!

Steps to restore your rights

Go to your local police station and get your fingerprints taken on the official fingerprint form. The cost of this varies based on the police station, so call to check to see what it costs before going there.
Draft and send a letter to the FDLE and request a personal review. Include the following:
- An original of your fingerprints form.
Confirm the information in your criminal history is correct. Make a copy of it for your file.
Draft and send a letter to your local clerk and request a certified copy of every charging indictment/information, judgment, and sentence/community control/probation order for every felony conviction you've been involved in. If you were sentenced to probation, ask for a certified copy of the termination of your probation as well. If you were sentenced to jail or prison, ask for a certified copy of your release from custody. Include the following:
- A certified check for the fee - usually $3-$5 per document, but check with your court clerk, probation office, or jail or prison facility.
- A return envelope.
Confirm the government agency has an accurate copy of your documents. Make a copy of them for your file.
Draft and send a letter to the FCOR with your application. Include the following:
- A copy of your personal review.
- The original of the fingerprints document you received with your personal review.
- The originals of all your certified copies.
- A return envelope.
Send the letter to the following:
Office of Executive Clemency
4070 Esplanade Way
Tallahassee, FL 32399-2450
You may have to attend a hearing to get your order or it may just come in the mail, but the final step is to keep that certificate safe and celebrate!