Can I Have My Criminal Record Expunged in Illinois?

 Posted on May 05, 2022 in Expungement

Everyone has made mistakes they wish they could erase, but if you have a criminal past, it could have a daily impact on your life. From finding a job to buying a house, you could be paying for your mistake for the rest of your life. However, in the state of Illinois there is a way to have certain arrests and criminal charges expunged from your record or have your record sealed to allow you the opportunity to move forward and earn additional freedoms back. While some criminal charges will always stay on your record, by contacting an experienced expungement lawyer, you can help determine if your arrest can be expunged or your records sealed. 

What an Expungement or Sealed Record Can Do for You

Having a criminal record could impact your employment opportunities, access to housing and bank loans, admission to higher education, and your ability to own a firearm. The qualifications for expungement in Illinois are determined by the specifics of the case, including the type of crime you were arrested or charged with, the details of the case, and how long ago the incident occurred. Generally, people without prior convictions or when charges were later dropped, dismissed, or you were convicted but sentenced to supervision may be eligible for expungement. 

For charges that cannot be expunged, you may apply to have your criminal record sealed. This does not delete the record, but it does limit viewing of the record to law enforcement unless ordered to be reopened by a court order. The general public, including potential employers, enrollment offices, and landlords will no longer be able to view it, opening up your future to greater opportunities. Immigration officials will still be able to see your record, even if it is expunged or sealed, so if you are applying for immigration benefits, you must reveal any arrests. If you were arrested, charged or convicted in multiple counties, you must address the records in each county individually. 

Contact a Kane County Expungement Attorney

By taking advantage of the opportunities afforded by expungement or sealing your criminal record, you can regain certain freedoms that you may have felt you lost forever. If you would like to pursue expungement or sealing of your criminal record, you need to contact an Elgin criminal defense attorney at The Law Office of Brian J. Mirandola. We will review your case, discuss your options, and if you are eligible, fight to give you back your future. Call 847-488-0889 today for a free consultation. 

Sources:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=002026300K5.2

https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/legal-information/criminal-offenses-can-be-expunged-or-sealed