Expungement & Sealing of Criminal Record
Determining Your Eligibility
After reviewing your case, we will determine whether you are eligible to expunge or seal your record. If eligible, we will draft and file a petition in the appropriate court. The Illinois States Police and the State's Attorney both have the opportunity to object to your petition. In some courts, a court hearing is required while others only require it if a party objects. At a hearing, we will provide the court every reason to grant your petition to seal or expunge your criminal record. We vigorously represent you to the final decision.
Expungement
In Illinois, depending on the type of offense, sentence in your case and criminal background, you may be eligible for an expungement. An expungement of your criminal record will result in all of the records of your case, including charges and any sentencing, be removed from your criminal history and having the physical case file being destroyed.
Sealing of Criminal Record
If your criminal record is not eligible for expungement, then it may be eligible to be sealed. There are many misdemeanors and felony offenses that can be sealed in your criminal record. When a record is sealed, it cannot be seen by most employers or members of the public. However, your record can still be seen by the court and law enforcement agencies. Certain employers who are legally required to conduct background checks can see sealed felony convictions, but they cannot see sealed misdemeanor convictions or cases that did not result in a conviction.
Our attorney will evaluate and carefully review your criminal record carefully review to determine which cases may be eligible to be sealed. Eligibility to seal a criminal conviction depends on the type of case, sentencing for that case and your criminal history.
Certain felony convictions, such as sex offenses, domestic batteries, violations of Orders of Protection, DUI, reckless driving and offenses against animals are ineligible to be sealed. However, many other felonies, regardless of their class, may be eligible to be sealed. Schedule your free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys by calling 847-468-1200.