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Last Modified on Oct 14, 2025
Even after a sentence is served, felonies can leave convicted West Palm Beach residents facing long-term setbacks. Landlords and employers commonly screen applicants for criminal records, and a felony conviction is a major red flag. If you are facing serious criminal charges, you may be wondering, “How long does a felony stay on your record in West Palm Beach?”
Sealed Versus Expunged Records in Florida
Under Florida law, the difference between a sealed and expunged record lies in how the information is stored and who has access to it. When a record is sealed under Florida Statute § 943.059, it still exists but is hidden from public view. Government agencies and law enforcement can access sealed records under limited circumstances.
When a record is expunged under Florida Statute § 943.0585, the file is destroyed by most state agencies. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) retains a confidential copy. Expungement offers greater privacy protections but is only available to those who meet strict eligibility requirements.
Which Felonies Stay on a Convicted Felon’s Record in West Palm Beach?
Following a criminal conviction, it is natural to wonder which felonies stay on your record and which ones can be removed. In Florida, a criminal record can only be sealed or expunged under very limited circumstances.
You may qualify for removal of a criminal arrest record if you were not convicted, meaning the case was dismissed or you were acquitted. Crimes like murder, sexual battery, child abuse, human trafficking, robbery, arson, and aggravated assault cannot be sealed or expunged.
DUI convictions are also permanently ineligible for either form of relief. The only ways to remove or lessen the impact of a felony conviction are through clemency or post-conviction relief. The Florida Board of Executive Clemency can approve clemencies. Post-conviction relief occurs when a court overturns or vacates the conviction, which usually is due to new evidence or procedural error.
Must-Know Crime Stats for West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach has a violent crime rate of 3.77 per 1,000 residents that impacts life in neighborhoods like Flamingo Park, Northwood Village, and Downtown West Palm Beach. According to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), impaired driving contributes to roughly one-quarter of all motor vehicle deaths statewide.
In 2023, Palm Beach County saw 30,287 arrests. Convicted felony offenders from the area serve time at South Bay Correctional Facility, located at 600 US Highway 27, South Bay, FL, 33493, approximately 45 miles west of downtown.
Why You Should Hire a Felony Lawyer
If you are facing felony charges, your freedom could be on the line. Your top priority should be to hire a felony lawyer with years or decades of experience managing complex criminal cases based on their knowledge of West Palm Beach felony laws. Lawyers do more than represent clients in court. They are trusted advisors and skilled negotiators.
A felony attorney can independently investigate the events that led to your arrest to find weaknesses that can be leveraged to reduce the felony penalties you are facing. Whether you are seeking expungement, record sealing, or legal guidance on a pending case, criminal defense attorneys in West Palm Beach, FL, are trusted sources of support and guidance who can help you navigate your criminal case with a focus on protecting your rights and your freedom.
FAQs
How Long Does a Felony Show Up on a Background Check in West Palm Florida?
A felony conviction in Florida stays on your record permanently and will appear on a background check for life. Unlike some states that allow old convictions to fall off after a set number of years, Florida does not have a time limit for reporting felony convictions.
The only exceptions occur when the case is overturned through post-conviction relief or cleared by executive clemency from the Governor and Cabinet. One way to avoid a felony is to fight the charges in court.
Do Felonies Go Away After 10 Years?
Felonies do not go away after 10 years. In Florida, a felony will stay on your record indefinitely. This is why the most effective means of protecting your reputation and freedom is by fighting criminal charges up front. With support from a felony defense attorney, you can seek outcomes to your charges that avoid the life-altering consequences of a felony conviction. Reduced or dropped charges can protect both your freedom and future opportunities.
Does a Felony Ruin Your Life?
How a felony affects an individual’s life varies from person to person, but a felony can certainly have devastating consequences for someone. Setbacks include a damaged reputation and challenges securing future employment and housing.
Being a felon can strain personal relationships and leave you regretting the outcome of your criminal case. These are all reasons why defendants seek to fight their charges. Accepting an unfavorable plea bargain deal or pleading guilty can have greater consequences than you may think.
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go?
In Florida, background checks can go back your entire lifetime. Unlike some states that limit reporting to seven or 10 years, Florida law allows employers, landlords, and licensing agencies to see your full criminal history, including any felony convictions. Even older cases will appear unless they were sealed, expunged, or overturned. This means a decades-old felony can still show up during employment screening or license applications.
Contact a Trusted Felony Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
A felony conviction can have long-lasting effects on nearly every part of your life. From housing and employment to professional licensing and education, a criminal record can follow you for years after a case is resolved. The good news is that legal options may exist to lessen the impact of a past conviction, depending on the nature of your offense and your record.
At the Law Offices of Nellie L. King, our team helps clients in West Palm Beach understand their rights and explore every available opportunity for relief. Whether you are seeking expungement, record sealing, or legal guidance on a pending case, we can provide the focused representation you need. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward moving forward with your life.
