The New Sealing Law Has Finally Gone Into Effect!

August 14, 2013
Criminal Records | HB 3061 | Records Sealing

For months, I have been telling my clients about HB 3061, now widely known as “the Illinois sealing bill”.  In essence, HB 3061 expands the pool of offenses eligible for sealing.  Just last week, Governor Pat Quinn signed HB 3061, which immediately went into effect.  Under this new law, several non-violent felonies have been added to the list of offenses for which records may sealed.  The offenses include retail theft, Read More

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Why Should I Seek an Expungement?

July 29, 2013
Expungement

My clients are often deterred by how long the expungement/sealing process may take in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.  Often, I get calls when a person has been offered a job position pending a background check.  Typically, the person on the other line hopes I can clear his or her record in a matter of weeks, if not days, due to the pre-employment screening.  Please do not be one of Read More

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New Criminal Record Clearing Law

July 11, 2013
Criminal Records | Expungement | HB 3061

This July has welcomed some exceptional news — the expansion of sealing laws in Illinois!  Bill HB3061, formerly HB5723, will soon go into effect and has expanded the eligibility for the sealing of criminal records.

This new law enables those with criminal records to petition the Prisoner Review Board to seal all Class 3 and 4 felony convictions, with the exception of violent, sex, or DUI crimes.  Prior to this Read More

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House Bill 3061 – The New Sealing Law

June 28, 2013
Criminal Records | Records Sealing

On June 19, 2013 House Bill 3061 was sent to Governor Pat Quinn to sing into law. HB 3061, if signed by Gov. Quinn, will allow the sealing of criminal records for non-violent class 4, 3, and 2 Felonies enumerated under the new law.

Prior to HB 3061, the previous Sealing statue only allowed the sealing of two types of felonies. 1. Class 4 Felony drug possession and2. Class 4 Read More

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Mistakes of the Past

June 17, 2013
Criminal Records | Expungement | Records Sealing

All too often, people are affected by arrests of their past.  Perhaps you made a mistake in your youth, or were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.   Nevertheless, a mistake of the past should not affect your future — herein lies the important of an expungement or sealing.

My clients are often unaware that arrests that resulted in a dismissal, supervision, or acquittal remain on record and Read More

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XpungeChicago – Serving Cook, DuPage, and Lake Counties:

May 27, 2013
Expungement | Records Sealing

Clients often ask if we can assist them in clearing their records from out of county courts such as DuPage or Lake.  The answer is YES!

Unfortunately, to clear every arrest on your record, a separate expungement needs to be filed in each county in which the arrest originated. For example, if you have an arrest in Chicago and also an arrest in Roselle, a petition to expunge would be Read More

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Juvenile Expungements: A Tragic Story

May 12, 2013
Expungement | Juvenile Crimes

My clients are often surprised at the long-term consequences of their juvenile arrests.  Unfortunately, it is often difficult for an adult to avoid the repercussions of mistakes made as a youth — this is the importance of expunging your juvenile record.

Recently, a client walked into my office in utter despair.  She went to school to become a pharmacy technician.  By the time she was 21, she completed her technician Read More

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The Importance of Expunging Your Juvenile Record

May 1, 2013
Criminal Records | Expungement | Juvenile Crimes

Were you arrested as a juvenile?  If so, did you know that your juvenile record can be used against you, even after you reach adulthood?  Whenever a juvenile is arrested, records are kept by both Illinois courts and law enforcement agencies.

It is a widely held misconception that a juvenile record is automatically expunged once an individual turns 18.  Sadly, however, this is incorrect.  You must petition the court to Read More

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Expunge Your DUI Arrest!!!

April 9, 2013
DUI | Expungement

If your DUI case was dismissed or resulted in an acquittal at trial, you are eligible for an expungement. Having a DUI arrest in your criminal background carries severe consequences. Once you have been arrested for driving under the influence, a record of this incident is filed with the Illinois State Police’s database and remains on record, even if charges were dismissed or you were acquitted. In essence, this means Read More

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Criminal Record Clearing

April 1, 2013
Expungement | Records Sealing

Most people assume that arrests that resulted in a dismissal or acquittal are automatically expunged after a certain period of time. Unfortunately, however, this is incorrect. In order to have your criminal record expunged, you must file a petition and follow the court protocol to finalize the expungement.

After your records are sealed or expunged, you may truthfully tell potential employers and landlords that you were never arrested or charged Read More

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