In December 5, 2008 in Jacksonville, Scott Baker was arrested for Lewd or Lascivious Molestation of a child under the age of twelve, a violation of Section 880.04(5), Florida Statutes. The Duval County Florida State Attorney's Office file charges and Baker pled not guilty. The Duval County Circuit Court judge presiding over the case was Elizabeth Senterfitt. In March of 2009, the State Attorney's Office dropped the charges against Baker.
Although Baker's Jacksonville molestation charges were dismissed, his record still reflects that he was arrested for this crime. This Jacksonville criminal record is still open for the public, and potential employers, to see. However, a solution to this problem is expunging his Jacksonville arrest.
On May 26, 2010, Baker filed a motion to expunge this charge. Judge Senterfitt denied his motion. Her reasoning was based on the fact that Baker "works at a car wash company where he has contact with the public, obviously including children" and "the public has a compelling interest in knowing the character of those who provide a service to individuals in the community, particularly the children of the community." On July 23, 2010, Judge Senterfitt signed an order stating the grounds for denial. Baker filed an appeal, and the Florida First District Court of Appeals reversed Judge Senterfitt.
Read Florida Appellate Court Finds that Jacksonville Judge Denied Petition to Expunge Criminal Record in Error by a Jacksonville Criminal Defense Lawyer for more information.
However, if you have a Criminal History that is hindering your ability to get or keep a job, contact a Jacksonville Criminal Defense Lawyer today to discuss your Criminal History and determine if a record seal or expungement is available to you.
