If you’re like many people, you’re sick of your criminal record hanging over your head and holding you back from doing the things you want to – or need to – do. Fortunately, there might be something you can do about it: You might qualify for expungement or sealing. But how do you get court records expunged? Here’s what you need to know.
How Do You Get Court Records Expunged in Illinois?
For most people, the best way to get court records expunged in Illinois is to hire an attorney who can handle all the paperwork. Your lawyer will find the appropriate forms, fill them out and file them on your behalf. Then, all you have to do is wait to find out whether the state’s attorney objects to your expungement (in which case you may be entitled to a hearing to explain your side of the story) and wait for your expungement paperwork to make its way to a judge’s desk.
There are people who choose not to work with an attorney to get court records expunged in Illinois. If you choose not to work with a lawyer, here’s how you get your record expunged:
- Find the official court forms for your county or city
- Fill out the forms
- Find supporting documentation (such as a school completion certificate, proof of community service, and other documents that show you’ve completed a sentence or taken steps to improve your situation)
- Find out where to file the forms for your location
- Pay filing fees and file your forms
- Wait to find out whether anyone objects to your petition
- Wait on a judge’s decision in your case
Related: Expungement waiting periods in Illinois
There’s a type of hybrid legal service you can use to expunge your own criminal record with an attorney’s help. DIY expungement gives you all the forms you need for your jurisdiction (for any county in Illinois) and provides written and video instructions for filling them out. It also tells you where and how to file your forms, as well as what to do if the state’s attorney objects to your petition – and it gives you access to a licensed attorney in case you have questions about your case. This service is less costly than hiring an attorney to do everything for you, but it does require you to fill out and file court forms (but it does provide you with directions for every situation).
Related: Get your free expungement e-book here
Still Need to Know More About How to Get Court Records Expunged?
If you need to learn more about how to get your court records expunged, or if you’re not sure whether you even qualify, we can help you. Call us at 847-920-4540 right now so we can answer your questions and help you get moving in the right direction.
