Having a criminal record can hold you back from getting a good job, obtaining credit, or even finding a place to live for your family. If you’re like most people with a few mistakes in the past, you’d do anything to get a fresh start so people could recognize you for who you are today… not who you were when you made those mistakes.
But can you really remove a criminal record from the books? And if you can, how do you go about doing it?
Can You Really Remove a Criminal Record?
Some people are eligible to expunge an arrest record and erase some crimes from their RAP sheets; others are only able to seal criminal records so the public can’t view them.
The first thing your lawyer will need is your complete criminal history. If you don’t have an official copy of your RAP sheet (that stands for record of arrests and prosecutions) and are unable to get it yourself, your lawyer may be able to conduct a background check for you.
Once your attorney determines you’re eligible for expungement or sealing, he’ll file the appropriate paperwork to ask the court to clear your record. In some cases, the state’s attorney doesn’t agree that you deserve a fresh start; if that happens, you may be entitled to a hearing. Your lawyer can argue on your behalf at that hearing, and the judge will decide based on all the evidence presented.
Do You Need to Remove Your Criminal Record?
If you’re ready for the fresh start expunging or sealing your criminal record can give you, call us right away at 847-920-4540 for a free case review. We’ll start developing a strategy to clear your name as soon as possible.
Navigating the aftermath of a criminal record can be challenging, especially when seeking employment. Understanding the impact of expungement on your records and the steps needed to clear them completely, including your FBI record, is essential.
Will Prospective Employers Find Your Expunged Records?
The short answer is no, but there’s more to consider, especially regarding your FBI record. This guide will cover:
The effect of expungement on employment background checks
Dealing with the aftermath of sex crime charges, especially when seeking employment, can be a significant concern. Understanding your options in Illinois is crucial for moving forward.
Will Prospective Employers Find Out About Sex Crime Charges From Years Ago?
Whether or not past sex crime charges will be visible to prospective employers in Illinois largely depends on the outcome of those charges. This guide will cover:
Understanding the legal options for dealing with sex crime charges in Illinois is crucial, especially when it comes to sealing records. Knowing what can be sealed and what cannot is key to managing your criminal record.
Can You Seal Sex Crime Charges in Illinois?
In Illinois, the ability to seal sex crime charges hinges on whether they led to a conviction. This guide will cover: