Can you expunge an order of protection in Illinois? No, you can’t – but it’s not for the reasons you may think. Here’s what you need to know.
Can You Expunge an Order of Protection in Illinois?
You can’t expunge an order of protection in Illinois because it’s part of a civil case. That means it doesn’t appear on your criminal record. Because it’s not on your criminal record, you can’t expunge it or seal it – those two actions only apply to criminal records.
Can You Expunge Violation of an Order of Protection From Your Criminal Record?
If you violate an order of protection, you’re committing a crime – and if you’re caught and it ends up on your criminal record, you’re stuck with it. You cannot expunge or seal a conviction for violation of an order of protection, civil no-contact order or stalking no-contact order.
The law limits what you can expunge and seal from your record. For example, you can generally only expunge:
Arrests for misdemeanors or felonies that never resulted in a conviction
Sentences for supervision, but only if the waiting period has passed
Sentences of qualified probation, but only if the waiting period has passed
You can usually only seal:
Arrests and charges for misdemeanors and felonies that never led to a conviction
Felony traffic offenses that were reduced to an eligible misdemeanor
Convictions for most misdemeanors and felonies
If you have eligible offenses on your criminal record – things that weren’t part of a civil case (like an order of protection) – then you may be able to expunge or seal them. If you expunge your record, nobody will ever see it; that’s because your records are destroyed or returned to you. If you seal your record, some people will still be able to see the offenses on it (like law enforcement, the courts and some employers, including the military and some in the healthcare field).
Do You Need to Talk to a Chicago Expungement Attorney About Your Criminal Record?
If you believe you’re eligible to seal or expunge offenses on your criminal record, we may be able to help you. Call us at 847-920-4540 to learn more today.
If you’re like most people, you know that having a criminal record can hold you back – and a record is the last thing you want hanging over your head. Fortunately, many people who have criminal records are eligible for expungement or sealing. In fact, people all over the Northwest Side, which includes Portage Park, Irving Park, Dunning, Montclare, Belmont Cragin, and Hermosa, have gotten a fresh start through criminal
If you’re like many people, you’ve wondered how to get the fresh start you deserve – so here’s what you need to know.
How Do I Expunge My Record in Illinois?
There are two ways to expunge your record in Illinois, and one is easier – but more expensive – than the other. First, you can hire an attorney to perform a
Can police see expunged records? Can police see sealed records? If you’re like many people who are considering clearing a criminal record, you need to know who will be able to see past arrests, charges and convictions.
This guide explains whether police can see expunged records (or sealed records) so you know what steps to take to secure your future.
