How Can I Prevent Other People From Seeing My Criminal Conviction?

 Posted on August 09, 2022 in Expungement

Being convicted of a crime can result in jail time and other serious criminal penalties. However, for many people, the consequences do not end when they get out of jail. Individuals who have been convicted of a criminal offense often find it nearly impossible to have a normal life. Because the record of the conviction is available to the public, other people can easily find out about the conviction, which can be humiliating. Employers and landlords who perform background checks or even simple internet searches may find the conviction record, making it extremely difficult for the offender to find adequate housing and employment. Having a conviction on your record can also affect your ability to get a professional license or go to college.  

If you were previously convicted of a criminal offense, record sealing may help you move on to a better future. For many, having a criminal record sealed is the first step toward building a new life.

Record Sealing Can Prevent People from Accessing Your Criminal Record

Certain misdemeanor and felony criminal convictions in Illinois can be sealed. Record sealing is sometimes used synonymously with expungement; however, these are two different legal processes. Expungement erases arrests or criminal charges while sealing merely limits who can view the record. Convictions generally cannot be expunged, but many types of convictions can be sealed.

Once the record of a conviction is sealed, the public cannot access the record. Most employers cannot see the conviction. Only certain employers, such as schools, will be able to see that you were convicted of a crime. Landlords and apartment complexes typically cannot view sealed records.

Types of Convictions that Can Be Sealed

When then-Governor Bruce Rauner signed HB 2373 in 2017, he created one of the most comprehensive record sealing laws in the country. Conviction for prostitution, theft, forgery, burglary, aggravated battery, and many other types of criminal convictions may be eligible for sealing. However, certain offenses are ineligible for sealing including domestic violence-related offenses, DUI offenses, sex crimes, and crimes involving cruelty to animals.

If you are interested in learning more about how to seal a conviction record, contact a criminal defense lawyer experienced in record sealing and expungement for help.

Contact an Elgin Expungement and Sealing Lawyer

Kane County criminal defense attorney Brian J. Mirandola can help you understand all of your rights and responsibilities regarding record sealing. Call The Law Office of Brian J. Mirandola at 847-488-0889 for a free initial consultation.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=2373&GAID=14&GA=100&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=103010&SessionID=91