Orlando Criminal Defense Law Blog

Former professional basketball player Kenny Anderson has been released from his coaching position at a private, religious school after he was arrested for allegedly drinking and driving on April 27 in Florida. Prior to the drunk-driving charges, he coached at the small school for two years. However, his record was 7-9 in the first season and 1-14 in his second year.

School officials insist that his dismissal was because of two separate drinking and driving arrests. His first arrest occurred in Dec. 2011 after he plowed into two trees. However, because he fled the scene of the accident and was charged accordingly, he did not face DUI charges. No one was hurt in either case.

Undercover agents in Seminole County, Florida, have arrested 19 people who were either connected to a pill selling ring or because they sold marijuana. The arrests followed a six-month investigation that was initiated because of complaints from those who said that drugs were being sold in their neighborhoods.

The suspects were allegedly selling and trading drugs illegally that they purchased legitimately. Five of the suspects have been identified as the primary suppliers and dealers; in addition to being charged with trafficking in illegal drugs, the ring leaders are also accused of conspiracy. Eleven other suspects are accused of purchasing drugs from the five primary suppliers. Depending on the circumstances surrounding their arrest, some of the suspects may be charged with felony drug charges and others with misdemeanor drug charges.

The doors of a busy North Greenwood convenience store were closed for business after the owner was arrested for multiple felony drug charges. This is the first time that the owner, who was described by his customers as a nice guy, has been charged with a crime in the state of Florida. He was released from Pinellas County Jail after posting bail.

Based on a tip, police conducted a search of the man's store. They found and seized two grams of crack cocaine, 77 grams of packaged marijuana ready for sale and morphine. Consequently, drug charges were filed against him that include possession of morphine, possession of marijuana and cocaine with the intent to sell and possession of a firearm while in the commission of a felony. Conviction of these crimes can sometimes results in jail time and fines.

If you have ever been charged with a crime, your case file becomes public record and anyone can go and look at your file at the Clerk of the Court.  Even if your case is dropped, dismissed, or you are found not guilty at trial, your name will still appear in criminal record searches, background checks, and other search engines open to the public.  The only way to prevent this is to have your case sealed or expunged.

Having your case sealed or expunged is a wonderful tool that can improve your chances of finding employment and clear your reputation.  If you are successful in having your record sealed or expunged you can actually deny the charges ever existed, even under oath, with a few limited exceptions as provided in Fla. Statute 943.0585(4)(a).  But what is the difference between the two options?

Effectively they are very similar.  In both cases your file will not be accessible by the public.  In addition, the case will not appear on regular employer background checks and you can deny the arrest and entire incident ever occurred. There are exceptions such as applications for employment with any law enforcement agency, state bar examiners, and employment working in close proximity to children or the elderly.  Every circumstance is a little bit different and an experienced criminal attorney can help with the details.