Florida statute
Fla. Stat. § 943.0578 — Lawful self-defense expunction
Current through 2025 Florida Statutes
Part of Chapter 943: Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Statutes.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of Fla. Stat. § 943.0578
Statutory text current through the 2025 Florida Statutes. This publication reproduces the official statutory text; it is not the official statutes of the State of Florida.
(1) Notwithstanding the eligibility requirements defined in s. 943.0585(1) and (2), the department shall issue a certificate of eligibility for expunction under this section to a person who is the subject of a criminal history record if that person has obtained, and submitted to the department, on a form provided by the department, a written, certified statement from the appropriate state attorney or statewide prosecutor which states whether an information, indictment, or other charging document was not filed or was dismissed by the state attorney, or dismissed by the court, because it was found that the person acted in lawful self-defense pursuant to chapter 776.
(2) Each petition to expunge a criminal history record pursuant to this section must be accompanied by:(a) A valid certificate of eligibility for expunction issued by the department pursuant to this section; and(b) The petitioner’s sworn statement attesting that the petitioner is eligible for such an expunction to the best of his or her knowledge or belief.Any person who knowingly provides false information on such sworn statement to the court commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(3) This section does not confer any right to the expunction of a criminal history record, and any request for expunction of a criminal history record may be denied at the discretion of the court.
(4) Section 943.0585(5) and (6) apply to an expunction ordered under this section.
(5) The department shall adopt rules to establish procedures for applying for and issuing a certificate of eligibility for expunction under this section.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
Questions this section answers
Is lawful self-defense expunction a felony or a misdemeanor in Florida?
Lawful self-defense expunction is a Felony of the Third Degree in Florida under Fla. Stat. § 943.0578.
Which Florida statute covers lawful self-defense expunction?
Lawful self-defense expunction is governed by Fla. Stat. § 943.0578 (Lawful self-defense expunction).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.