What Shows On A Background Check After An Expungement

Expungement is supposed to make it easier for people to find a job or housing.  Essential to this happening is the expunged record not showing-up on background checks.  Unfortunately, that is often not the case— especially during the first year after the expungement.

When a court expunges or seals a criminal record, the court will notify all relevant government agencies and instruct them to seal or expunge their copy of the records.   However, courts do not have the time, budget or expertise needed to notify private sector background check companies.

Instead, what happens in most cases is that the background check company, which already has a copy of all of the courts records, will eventually back and purchase a new copy of the records.  When they purchase the new copy of the records, the expunged or sealed criminal record will no longer be on it and, therefore, no longer on any background check provided by that company.  The problem lies in the fact that most background check companies only purchase updates about once a year.  So there is a good chance that someone's expunged or sealed criminal record will continue to be reported on background checks.

A quick search of the internet will reveal hundreds of stories about people being denied a job or housing because of a record that was already expunged or sealed.  It is grossly unfair and defeats the policy objectives of expungement.

Getting Expunged Records Off Of Background Checks

The solution for this problem is as obvious as it is difficult for the average person.  The background check companies have to be notified about the expunged or sealed record.   This is yeoman's work.  There are hundreds of background check companies.  Finding them and contacting them would be exhausting for someone who does not have experience doing this.

Our law firm can solve this problem for you.  We can insure that your expunged or sealed criminal record does not appear on background checks within 14 days or less.  This service currently costs $399 for non-clients and $199 for existing clients.

Visit ClearMyFloridaRecord.com for more information.