Q: Can convictions ever be changed later on in life? It was adjudication withheld 10 years ago.
In 2007 I was arrested dealing in stolen property (adjudication withheld) I'm now thirty this was 10 years ago is there any way of ever changing that it states I was arrested for a felony offense. Im interested in joining the military and it does stop me from enlistment.
A: Your answer is not going to be a yes or no. If you have never been convicted of a crime you may be eligible to get your record sealed. A withholding of adjudication means you were not convicted under Florida law. So, if that is all you have ever had you may be eligible for a sealing. A sealed record means that under Florida law you can say it does not exist, and the general public will not be able to locate it in the local government records. However, there are exceptions in the statute to when and to whom you must reveal it. Also, the federal government does not recognize a withholding of adjudication and the federal government will treat it as a conviction. You should talk with an experienced criminal defense attorney about your particular situation and what may be available for you. It is worth talking to someone.
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