Illinois is under a stay-home order until at least May 30, which means most people aren’t even going to court – but does that mean you can’t clear your criminal record right now?
Here’s what you need to know about clearing your criminal record during the coronavirus pandemic – and whether it’s even possible.
Can You Clear Your Criminal Record Right Now?
The good news is that there’s nothing stopping you from clearing your criminal record right now. In fact, now might be the perfect time to get moving on it – especially if you may need to find a new job once the stay-home order is lifted.
Expungement vs. Sealing
There are two main ways to clear your criminal record: expungement and sealing.
Expungement is the process of having your record completely erased – and in the end, it’s like nothing ever happened. Your records are destroyed or returned to you, and you never have to tell anyone that you were arrested.
Sealing is the process of having your records locked away so that the general public can’t access them. They won’t show up on standard background checks, but they will show up for certain employers (such as those in healthcare), law enforcement and the military.
Not everyone is eligible for expungement. It’s not about you, personally – it’s about the types of offenses on your record and whether you were convicted of those offenses. If you’re not eligible for expungement, though, you may still be eligible for criminal record sealing. (Check out our free guide to expungement and sealing below if you’re not sure whether you qualify.)
Get a FREE Guide to Expungement Now
How to Start the Criminal Record Clearing Process During the Stay-Home Order in Illinois
There are two routes you can take to clear your criminal record from this website. You can call us and have an attorney handle your entire criminal record clearing process from start to finish (we’re available at 847-920-4540) or you can explore our do-it-yourself expungement and sealing service. With our DIY expungement and sealing service, you can clear your record in any jurisdiction in Illinois (if you’re eligible) on your own – and you can even get started while the stay-home order is in place. You’ll get instant access to all the forms you need, plus detailed written and video instructions on how to fill out all the forms, how and where to file them, and what to do if the state’s attorney objects to your petition. You’ll even get access to an attorney if you have case-specific questions.
Do You Need to Talk to a Lawyer About Expungement or Sealing?
Whether you’re interested in hiring a lawyer to help you expunge or seal your record or you’d like to do it yourself, we’re here to help. Call us at 847-920-4540 or fill out the form below and we’ll be happy to get you moving in the right direction. You can get the fresh start you deserve – call us today!
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