Criminal records have a serious and long-term impact on your life 

An experienced Sarasota criminal lawyer can help you manage your arrest record and reduce the consequences

Criminal records are permanent. Even death does not give you a clean criminal record. All the information on your criminal record is readily available to the public through a background check. Your criminal record can be a hurdle in many endeavors that most people take for granted, such as: finding employment; acceptance to a college or a university; receiving federal financial aid; leasing an apartment; traveling outside the country; etc…

Short of successfully having your criminal record expunged or sealed, there is no way to get a clean slate. Even if your criminal record is expunged or sealed, it can still be seen by some government agencies.

The benefit of having your criminal record expunged or sealed is that you do not have to tell prospective employers that you have been convicted of a crime. However, strict criteria must be met for your criminal record to be eligible for expunging or sealing.

Unfortunately, many Americans who may be eligible to have their records expunged or sealed do not know they have a criminal record. This is due to a widespread misunderstanding of what an individual’s criminal record contains. Many Americans incorrectly believe that a criminal record only consists of criminal convictions. They believe if the charges were dropped or dismissed, or they were acquitted, the arrest does not make its way onto their criminal record. Due to this misunderstanding many people do not realize they have a criminal record.

The importance of a clean criminal record cannot be overstated.

If you are facing criminal charges, you should consult an experienced Sarasota criminal defense attorney. The veteran criminal defense attorneys of Carlson Meissner Hart & Hayslett are well-acquainted with Florida courts and procedures. They provide an aggressive defense throughout the criminal process and fight vigorously to get your charges reduced or dismissed, and in the courtroom they relentlessly pursue an acquittal.

Sarasota criminal attorney Jason Reid is Board Certified in criminal trials, making him an expert in the field.