Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

My previous employer charged me with a theft for completing a transaction for a customer who was returning stolen merchandise. I had nothing to do with it, but admitted that i was the one that rang up the transaction. So, they pressed charges against me. I wanted to fight this, because they had no reason to believe i was involved..but my lawyer advised me to just complete a class and they will drop the charges because it was better for my financial situation at the time. So I did, the charges were dropped. But now, when i applied to lease an apartment they rejected me for having a criminal background. Im upset because the charges were clearly dropped and im suffering anyway. What can I do to fix this? Will having the record expunged help? Can i get some court document proving they were dropped other then the paper saying I completed the class? This is really frustrating and humilating.


Asked on 8/11/10, 6:15 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Craig Epifanio Craig Epifanio, P.A.

Just because charges are dismissed does not mean it doesn't show in a background check. You need to get the charge expunged or sealed from your record. That way when another check is done, it won't show. The process takes a few months but I have plenty of clients that wish they had done it eariler, so I wouldn't delay.

Read more
Answered on 8/17/10, 6:47 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Florida