Getting a Pardon When Expungement Isn't Available

[joe morreale]

My question involves criminal records for the state of: Florida. About ten years ago I was issued a ticket for an undersized fish. I went to court and paid a fine. When I looked up my criminal record it shows as a misdemeanor. About 2 years later I had an argument with my superior at work where he claimed I threatened him. The police were called and I had to appear in civil court for a domestic violence dispute and no contact order. I really want to get these off my record. Is the only way a pardon from the governor? If so, do I approach each issue one at a time? I read you cannot get the domestic expunged with a misdemeanor. I want to volunteer at a school and other places and these records can hurt me. Thanks if anyone can help. I cannot afford a lawyer and am willing to try this myself.

[Lehk]

How did a workplace dispute get classified as domestic violence?

Were you sleeping with your boss?

[joe morreale]

I don't know how it got classified as a domestic violence. We were not even friends. I never even threatened him, directly, however I said under my breath while in another building if he were to accost my wife in a threatening manner again (He pushed her with his shoulder) I would gut him like a fish. Another employee went and told him (he was my supervisor) and he called the police. They fired me and escorted me out of the building. At a later date I received a notice to appear in civil court for a no contact order. When I looked at my court record it reads repeat domestic violence, civil court along with the no contact order. The fish thing was just a misunderstanding. I was unaware of the correct size for grouper and I had one 1/2'' short and one 1 1/2'' short. I got a ticket court appearance required and paid a $450. fine. That shows as a misdemeanor.

[Dogmatique]

You're incredibly lucky you didn't get charged with something far more serious.

[Mr. Knowitall]

Executive clemency in Florida can restore your civil rights, but it does not expunge your record.

[joe morreale]

So what this means is that I can't get these off my searchable records? I really would like to get them expunged if possible. I wasn't aware of any civil rights being taken away from me either. As far as I know I was never charged with a crime, read my rights or received any punishment from the court system, other than paying for the undersize fish, which I thought was just a ticket. As you can tell I'm pretty ignorant in these matters.

[joe morreale]

This domestic violence case was not criminal. Is there no way to get it off my record. I had no anger management class, probation, or anything. It's listed as a civil case. Thanks in advance for your answer.