Florida Felony Law?

Question

I entered a plea of "nolo contendere" to truspassing on construcion site. The owner of site dropped charges but the state of Florida picked it up. I was sentenced to 2 years probation and 50 hours comunity service. On my court papers it states " It is ordered that adjusication of guilt be withheld". When I reported to the clerk of court she explained that once I completed probation and my service that I no longer had to register as a felon for the crime and I could continue my life with no problems. When I got to probation to register I was told differently. My question is when my probation is completed and everything is over do I have to fight to get my rights back or is everything going to be completed and I will no longer have to register as a Felon anywhere I go? Please advise. Thanks

Answer 1

it means if you have problems for 2 years and do your 50 hr ,,,,,the charges go away

Answer 2

"Adjudication of guilt be withheld" is your sentence for pleading guilty to whatever you plead guilty to.

Be aware that Florida does not allow you to expunge your record even if you complete probation successfully. Your Florida record will still show a conviction but you will regain the right to vote and other rights you had before your legal troubles. Your attorney and the court should be more knowledgable about the law than an overworked probation officer.

In MD, such a sentence would be considered "probation before judgment" When the period of probation ends, one would not have a conviction and one is even eligible for expungement 3 years after the disposition (I'm serving 2 years probation before judgment).

Answer 3

Since this is the rest of your life -- you should be talking with an attorney who is knowledgeable about this sort of thing.

Answer 4

no idea.