If you’re like many people in Chicago, Skokie, Rolling Meadows or Schaumburg who have criminal records, you’ve probably wondered how different your life would be if you didn’t have something negative from your past holding you back.
But is criminal record expungement right for you? Do you even qualify for expungement, or should you attempt to have your criminal records sealed?
What Most Chicago Expungement Lawyers Won’t Tell You
Many people who have had their criminal records expunged go on to lead exceptionally successful lives—but unfortunately, not enough people know about record expungement or sealing; these people aren’t aware that they’re eligible for the fresh start they deserve.
Most Chicago expungement lawyers don’t tell people that:
Expungement gives you a fresh start. It’s as if your criminal record never existed, because with expungement, the records that police and other agencies had on file are destroyed.
A criminal record can prevent you from getting an apartment, a home loan, or even a job. Because many employers conduct perfectly legal background checks on potential employees, even a minor arrest record for something that occurred when you were a juvenile can come back to haunt you.
Criminal record sealing may be an option if you don’t qualify for expungement. While criminal record sealing isn’t the same as expungement, it is a viable alternative for people whose crimes preclude them from qualifying for an expungement. Sealing means that the general public won’t be able to view your criminal record. However, some agencies—such as law enforcement and some employers (particularly those in the healthcare field)—will still be able to access your criminal record.
Are You Interested in Expungement or Criminal Record Sealing in Chicago or the Suburbs?
If you’d like to find out whether you qualify for criminal record expungement or sealing in Chicago, Skokie, Rolling Meadows or Schaumburg, call us right away at 847-920-4540 for your free expungement case evaluation. We’ll discuss your criminal record and what a fresh start would mean for you, and then we’ll get to work on clearing your name so you can expand your future options.
Having a clean criminal record in Illinois can open many doors and opportunities that might otherwise be difficult to access. Let’s explore the various benefits that come with having a clean slate.
The Benefits of Having a Clean Criminal Record in Illinois
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