Case Ended. What Happens to the Record?
A dismissal, acquittal, withhold, or completed case can end the prosecution without ending the public record. The final pathway is to determine what relief Florida law actually permits.
No file, nolle prosequi, dismissal, not guilty, acquittal, withhold, and adjudication of guilt create different routes.
A record may already be automatically sealed at FDLE and the clerk while local agency records remain.
Prior adjudications, prior court-ordered relief, supervision, and offense exclusions can change eligibility.
Which ending matches the case?
Pick the route that matches the disposition. Each path opens a different eligibility screen.
Case ended without a conviction.
EXPUNGEMENT PATH →Check whether sealing remains available.
SEALING PATH →Confirm what was actually sealed.
VERIFY RECORD STATUS →Not sure which route fits? Open the Sealing & Expungement issue-area guide or have counsel review the docket and final disposition.
The defense does not have to end at the final court date.
When Florida law permits record relief, the last step is to make sure the public record reflects the best lawful outcome available.