If you have a dog fighting charge on your criminal record, you need to know that in the vast majority of cases, you cannot expunge it. However, there is one exception.
Can You Expunge a Dog Fighting Charge From Your Criminal Record in Illinois?
The only way you can expunge a dog fighting charge from your criminal record in Illinois is if the charge never resulted in a conviction. That means if you were arrested for a dog fighting offense and then charged with the crime, you cannot expunge it unless:
- Your case was dismissed
- You were found not guilty
Can You Seal a Dog Fighting Charge on Your Criminal Record?
You cannot seal a dog fighting charge on your criminal record (unless, of course, the charges were dropped, your case was dismissed, or you were found not guilty in court).
Dog fighting is one of a handful of crimes that must stay on your criminal record forever. You can never expunge or seal it.
Other crimes you can’t remove from your criminal record include:
- Animal care crimes
- Crimes that require you to register as a sex offender
- Crimes that require you to register as an arsonist
- Domestic battery
- Driving under the influence
- Many violent crimes, including murder
How Do You Know if Your Record is Eligible for Expungement or Sealing?
For most people, the best way to figure out whether their criminal records are eligible for expungement or sealing is to talk to an attorney who understands Illinois’ criminal record clearing laws.
Even if one part of your record cannot be expunged or sealed, you may be able to clear other offenses. You should talk to an attorney about your eligibility if you’re interested in starting with a clean slate.
Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About Expungement or Sealing (Other Than for Dog Fighting Charges)?
If you need to talk to a lawyer about your criminal record, we’re here. We can tell you whether your offenses qualify for expungement or sealing so you don’t have to guess. Call us at 847-920-4540 for a free case review. We’ll answer all your questions over the phone!
