If you’re like many people in Illinois, you have a criminal record – but what type of criminal record do you have, and do you qualify for expungement or sealing? Your best bet is to talk to a Chicago expungement lawyer
But in the meantime, here’s what you need to know.
3 Types of Criminal Records in Illinois
There are three main types of criminal records in Illinois:
Court dispositions
RAP sheets
Illinois State Police criminal history transcripts
Court Dispositions
A court disposition is the final judgment or outcome of your court case. If you’re found guilty, the disposition is guilty; if you’re found not guilty, the disposition says so.
If police drop your charges and you don’t go to court, or if you’re arrested and released without ever going to court, you won’t have a court disposition.
RAP Sheets
RAP is short for record of arrests and prosecutions. The term RAP sheet refers to a list of your arrests, what charges were filed against you, and the outcome of each court case.
If you were arrested in 2005 for retail theft, 2009 for battery, and 2014 for DUI, each of those arrests will be listed on your RAP sheet.
Let’s say police dropped the charges for the arrests in 2005 and 2014, but charged you with battery in 2009. In the assault case, you went to court and were found guilty. All the charges will be on the RAP sheet – the retail theft, battery and DUI – but only the case from 2009 (the battery) will have a court outcome listed with it.
Illinois State Police Criminal History Transcripts
The Illinois State Police keep records of your criminal history, even if they weren’t the agency that arrested or charged you with a crime. This list contains information on all your arrests and convictions that took place in Illinois.
Do You Need to Talk to a Lawyer About Expungement or Criminal Record Sealing?
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
A clean criminal record can significantly impact your life in Illinois. Here’s what you need to know:
Going to court for an expungement hearing can be nerve-wracking, and you might be wondering what to wear. Your outfit can impact the impression you make, so it’s important to choose wisely.
What Should I Wear to Court for an Expungement Hearing?
Dressing appropriately for your court appearance is more about showing respect for the court and less about fashion. Here’s what you should know:
The longevity of criminal records and their accessibility to employers is a common concern, especially for records that are over two decades old. Understanding how these records can affect your employment prospects and what you can do about them is crucial.
Can Employers Find Criminal Records From Over 20 Years Ago?
This guide delves into the realities of how old criminal records can impact job opportunities and the legal remedies Read More