If you’re like many people, you’re wondering whether you can expunge criminal convictions from your record. This guide explains.
Can You Expunge Convictions in Illinois?
Typically, you can’t expunge convictions, though there are a few exceptions. If your record isn’t eligible for expungement, all’s not lost – it’s possible to seal criminal convictions that aren’t eligible for expungement.
The best way to find out whether you can expunge a conviction in the state of Illinois is to contact an expungement attorney. Your attorney can evaluate your case and look at your criminal background report to determine whether you have offenses eligible for expungement.
Typically, you may be eligible to expunge offenses for which you were sentenced to certain types of probation or received a pardon for. The following sections outline each of these types of probation, pardons and special circumstances for honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. armed forces.
Related: Does a criminal record stay with you for the rest of your life?
TASC Probation and Expungement
TASC probation enables the courts to treat a defendant as if they have a substance abuse problem. People can get this type of probation even if they don’t have a substance abuse problem, and the conviction is vacated when the person completes probation.
Second-Chance Probation and Expungement
Second-chance probation is a possibility for certain nonviolent crimes, and when a person receives this type of probation, there’s no conviction entered against them. Typically, this probation lasts 24 months and must be successfully completed before a person may apply for expungement.
410, 710, or 1410 Probation
These three probation types are for people who commit certain drug offenses. Like other types of probation, it lasts 24 months. The courts never enter a conviction if the person successfully completes this probation.
Related: How far back does a background check go?
Pardons
If the governor of Illinois grants you a pardon with the right to file for expungement, you may apply at any time. However, pardons are few and far between, and they’re notoriously difficult to get.
Honorably Discharged Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces
Honorably discharged veterans of the armed forces may be eligible to expunge convictions for certain Class 3 and Class 4 felonies. However. the convictions must be non-violent, non-sexual and non-gun-related.
When Expungement Isn’t an Option Because of Convictions
If criminal record expungement isn’t an option for you because you have convictions on your record, we may still be able to help you by getting your records sealed. Many convictions, both felonies and misdemeanors, are eligible for criminal record sealing. Although your record still exists when you seal it, it’s not available to the general public.
Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About Expungement or Sealing?
If you’re tired of your criminal past coming back to bite you, we may be able to help. Call us right now at 847-920-4540 or fill out the form below so we can talk about your case.
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