Expungement: Hiring a Lawyer or Do-It-Yourself?

[Lemac]

I am trying to get my record expunged. I have a retail theft charge from back in August of 2006 in Palm Beach County (FL). It was withheld of adjudication. I contacted a few lawyers and I've seen prices from $700-1500 and they say it can take several months. I've even seen some lawyers advertise a self help kit but even that is still a few hundred dollars. I checked with the Palm Beach County court website and from what I've read they made the process seem very fast and easy to complete yourself. I don't have much time or money to waste so I was wondering if it would be easier to just pay a lawyer to handle this for me or do you recommend me chancing it and doing it myself. It seems obvious to do it myself, but I wasn't sure if maybe there is some sort of catch, like why is the court website is saying 6-8 weeks but the lawyers tell me it takes up to 6 months. Or maybe the things I have to do to complete the process would be better suited for a professional... Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Leanne

[aaron]

The lawyers may have a better idea of what the court's calendar is like than the person who wrote the information for the court's website.

It's the type of proceeding that most people can handle by themselves. Having a lawyer can be helpful, but isn't necessary. The place a lawyer is likely to be most helpful is in advocating for you in court, in the event that the expungement petition is opposed.

[Lemac]

Do you know how long this process generally takes? and if the expungement petition is opposed will I be able to try again?