xpunge chicago BLOG

If you’re like many people with criminal records, you’d like a fresh start through expungement — and you certainly deserve one. But where would you even begin, and are your records eligible in the first place?

Can I Expunge a Misdemeanor in Chicago?

Many misdemeanor charges can be expunged in Chicago and elsewhere in Illinois. In fact, recent changes to the Illinois Criminal Identification Act have made it easier for thousands of people to obtain expungements… including people who have had prior convictions.

You can find out whether you may be eligible by answering a few simple questions on our “Am I Eligible for Expungement?” page.

Expunging Misdemeanors in Chicago, Rolling Meadows, and Skokie

You may be able to erase misdemeanor charges and arrests from your criminal record through expungement. A similar process, sealing, may be an alternative if you don’t qualify for expungement. Both expungement and sealing hide your records from the general public, but only expungement completely erases them.

Whether or not you can expunge a misdemeanor charge in Chicago and the surrounding communities depends on a few factors, including:

• What type of crime you were arrested for or charged with
• The outcome of the case
• How long it has been since the incident occurred

You could be eligible to expunge juvenile records (those are records of arrests, charges, and convictions that occurred while you were still a child) even if you have an adult record. It’s important that you know your juvenile records don’t affect your ability to expunge your adult record, either.

Ready to Find Out Whether You’re Eligible for Expungement?

Find out whether you’re eligible for expungement or sealing by calling us at 847-920-4540 for a FREE case evaluation. We’ll look at your record and, if possible, file the appropriate paperwork to get your expungement started in the court system.

You’ll be one step closer to a fresh start as soon as you pick up the phone.