The Stupid Mistake

 

Many clients contact our firm and the first thing they say is: “I made a stupid mistake when I was young that’s still affecting my life.”

The “stupid mistake” is usually in the form of a prior arrest that is inhibiting them from fulfilling their true potential.  A criminal record can prevent you from obtaining the job of your dreams or entering the graduate program needed to propel your Read More

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Can’t Clear Your Entire Record? Then Clear Part of it!

Do you have cases in your criminal record that resulted in dismissals or acquittals? If so, you may be eligible for a partial sealing of your record even if you have other convictions in your background.

A Partial Sealing conceals of a portion of your criminal record for cases that did not result in a conviction.  For example, a record with 3 felony arrests can be sealed if those cases Read More

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A DUI Cannot be Expunged Unless…

Many people who are charged with a DUI simply want to get rid of the case as fast as possible.  The idea of going back and forth to court fighting the case can be torturous.  This often convinces people to plead guilty and cut a deal for supervision which is not considered a criminal conviction under the law.  Illinois law does not allow for the clearing of a DUI even Read More

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Domestic Battery – Life Long Consequences

If you are charged with domestic battery in Chicago or Cook County, a finding of guilty or a plea of guilty can have lifelong consequences.  Illinois law considers domestic violence particularly offensive and therefore does not allow a conviction of domestic battery to be expunged or sealed.

Many people are falsely accused of domestic battery by a partner to gain leverage in a divorce, custody dispute, or to gain sole Read More

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Don’t Keep The Past In the Past This Year – Xpunge Your Past, Xpand Your Future

Typically, keeping the past in the past is a wise decision.  However, there are exceptions. If you have prior arrests or even convictions on your criminal record, it doesn’t have to remain there.

XpungeChicago is a division of the Law Offices of M. Fakhoury that concentrates on expungements and sealings of criminal records.  Even if your record is not eligible for an expungement or sealing, you may nevertheless clear your Read More

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Start Off the New Year Right – Xpunge Your Past, Xpand Your Future

As 2012 comes to an end people are coming up with their New Year’s Resolutions.   Some resolutions include getting a new job, going back to school, or renting a new apartment.  While those resolutions are admirable, the fact of the matter is that an old arrest can prevent you from getting a new job, getting into school, or even living in the home of your dreams.

Employers, universities, and land Read More

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The Process of Clearing Your Criminal Record

Clearing your criminal record is not as simple as one may think.  There are several steps that must be taken to properly file an Expungement or Sealing.

1. Rap Sheet:  If you are trying to expunge or seal a case that arose from a Chicago Police arrest, you must obtain a copy of your criminal arrest record.  You can order your rap sheet from Chicago Police headquarters located at 3510 Read More

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Can a Retail Theft Be Expunged?

A retail theft can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony under Illinois law depending on the value of the items taken and the defendant’s criminal background.  Most retail thefts are charged as misdemeanors and can be expunged if certain conditions are met.

If you are able to get the case dismissed or plead guilty and receive supervision you may be eligible for an Expungement. Contact the Law Offices of Read More

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Reasons to Clear Your Criminal Record: Immigration

The United States is considered a melting pot with the most diverse group of people living in one nation.  People from other countries seek to live the American dream by immigrating to the United States in order to provide their families with the best opportunities possible.   Many immigrants eventual realize the potential for success and apply for citizenship.

Before a person is granted the status of being a “citizen” of Read More

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Reasons to Clear Your Criminal Record: It’s Public

Many people are under the mistaken belief that your criminal record gets automatically cleared if your arrest didn’t result in a conviction.  The truth of the matter is that the arrest stays on your record indefinitely unless you expunge or seal it.

A case will remain a matter of public record whether it was dismissed, you received supervision, or a conviction resulted.  Why leave your arrest out there for the Read More

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