Category: Convictions

Can You Join the Military With an Illinois Criminal Record?

May 28, 2019
Convictions | Criminal Records | Military

If you’re like many people, you’re looking into expungement so you can get a job – and for some people, that job is in the military. 

So can you join the military with a criminal record in Illinois?

Here’s what you need to know.

Can You Join the Military With an Illinois Criminal Record?

When you want to join the military, you’ll sign a form that gives your recruiter permission Read More

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Can a Conviction Be Removed From a Record?

December 19, 2017
Convictions | Criminal Records | Expungement | Records Sealing

If you’ve ever been in legal trouble, there’s a good chance that you’ve wondered whether a conviction can be removed from a record – and you’re not alone. The Illinois Criminal Identification Act, which allows some arrests, supervision and probation records to be expunged (completely erased) covers a few ways you can clear a criminal record, including expungement and sealing.

Can a Conviction Be Removed From a Record?

You can’t Read More

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Who Can See Expunged Records in Illinois?

September 26, 2017
Convictions | Criminal Records | Expungement

Many Chicagoans have criminal histories – and too few take advantage of our state’s expungement law. Expungement can clear your record and give you the fresh start you deserve.

But how does it work, and who can see your expunged records in Illinois?

Who Can See Expunged Records in Illinois?

Criminal record expungement results in your arrest and court files being completely erased. The public can’t see them because the Read More

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What Offenses Can Be Expunged in Chicago?

September 12, 2016
Convictions | Criminal Records | Expungement | Uncategorized

When you have a criminal record, life can be tough. You might have a hard time finding a job, getting a loan, or even finding a place to live.

If you’re like most people in this situation, you’d love to get a fresh start—and you could be eligible for exactly that through criminal record expungement or criminal record sealing. (Some people who aren’t eligible for expungement are eligible for sealing, Read More

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What Counts as a Conviction for Expungement Purposes in Illinois?

March 14, 2016
Convictions | Expungement

The types of convictions on your “rap sheet” matter when you’re trying to get your criminal record expunged in Chicago or elsewhere in Illinois.

However, not everything counts as a conviction. In fact, there are many types of criminal records that don’t count as convictions.

What Criminal Records Are Convictions?

Convictions always include a finding of guilt. Typically, you’ll have some sort of sentence attached to a conviction, such as: Read More

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What Criminal Records Cannot Be Expunged in Chicago?

June 5, 2015
Convictions | Criminal Records | Expungement

The unfortunate truth is that some crimes cannot be expunged in Chicago or the rest of Illinois.

In order to qualify for expungement in Illinois, your record must meet certain criteria. With that said, there are some crimes that make you ineligible for expungement.

What Criminal Records Cannot Be Expunged in Chicago?

If you have charges pending right now, you can’t have anything expunged. You’ll have to wait until the Read More

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New Law Helps Ex-Offenders

July 21, 2014
Convictions | Criminal Records

This spring, legislators passed a bill that bars private employers from requiring applicants to disclose their criminal histories until they’ve been deemed "qualified" for a job — and that’s a boon for ex-offenders, who are often denied employment solely because of past convictions… read more. Read More

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Can I Get a Marijuana Conviction Expunged in Illinois?

May 23, 2014
Convictions | Drug Crimes | Expungement

While marijuana has become legal in a handful of states, it’s not legal in Illinois – and if you’re caught with it and convicted, it’s a permanent stain on your record. That means potential employers can see it if they’re doing a background check; a marijuana conviction might also get in the way when a potential landlord checks your criminal history.

There’s still hope, though. Under the Cannabis Control Act, Read More

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The Stupid Mistake

February 4, 2013
Arrests | Convictions | Criminal Records | Uncategorized

 

Many clients contact our firm and the first thing they say is: “I made a stupid mistake when I was young that’s still affecting my life.”

The “stupid mistake” is usually in the form of a prior arrest that is inhibiting them from fulfilling their true potential.  A criminal record can prevent you from obtaining the job of your dreams or entering the graduate program needed to propel your Read More

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