Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

Adjudication Withheld

I was charged with petit theft back in '92, however it was downgraded to a misdemeanor, I went to court pleaded no contest and was hit with Adj withheld and only had to pay courtcosts. So when applying for jobs can I answer NO to the criminal questions. THank you.


Asked on 5/11/06, 10:56 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Richard Hornsby Richard E. Hornsby, P.A.

Re: Adjudication Withheld

Yes, by law you can deny that you were ever convicted of the offense. However, many applications now ask if you have ever received a withhold of adjudication. Therefore, in order to answer their application truthfully you have to answer Yes. If you answer No and they do a background check, the withhold will come up and they could possibly have grounds to fire you for lying.

I suggest you consider getting your offense sealed. Once you do that you can lawfully deny the existence of the offense in its entirety. If you would be interested in this process you can contact me and I can give you more information.

Best wishes,

Richard Hornsby

Read more
Answered on 5/11/06, 11:10 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Florida