Category: Criminal Records

3 Benefits of Expunging Your Criminal Record in Illinois

A criminal record can have far-reaching consequences, even after a person has paid their debt to society. It can limit job opportunities, prevent access to housing, and impact relationships with friends and family. Expunging a criminal record in Illinois can help remove some of these barriers and open up new opportunities for individuals. In this guide, we will explore the benefits of expunging a criminal record in Illinois and how Read More

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Why Do Landlords Run Background Checks, and What Will They See On Yours?

If you’re like many people, you know that when you apply for a new place to live, the landlord is probably going to run a background check on you. But if they do that, will they be able to see old arrests, charges and convictions? What else will they see? This guide explains the following:

  1. What is a background check, and why do landlords run them on prospective tenants?
  2. What
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Expungement vs. Sealing: Which is Right for You?

If you’re like many people, you know that Illinois provides people the opportunity to clear their criminal records in some cases. However, expungement and sealing aren’t available in every case – and sometimes only one is an option. This guide explains the following:

  1. What is expungement in Illinois?
  2. What is sealing in Illinois?
  3. The differences between expungement and sealing
  4. Who can get their record expunged or sealed?
  5. How to get
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Can Someone You Date Pull Up Your Criminal History?

Is it possible for anyone off the street to pull up a criminal history report on you? What about someone you’re dating? And if someone were to pull up your records, what would they find? This guide explains how background checks work in Illinois and what you can do to clear your criminal history if necessary.

What is a Criminal History Report, and Why Would Someone Want to Pull One Read More
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Do Dropped Charges Show Up on Your Criminal Record?

Many people are surprised to discover that they have criminal records – and those records can be due to simple things such as arrests and picking up criminal charges. But if the state drops its charges against you, will you still have a record? This guide explains.

Do Dropped Charges Show Up on Your Criminal Record?

As soon as you’re “booked” – that is, as soon as you’re processed in Read More

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How Soon Should You Clear Your Criminal Record Before You Look for a Job?

It’s no secret that many employers running criminal background checks on the people they’re considering hiring. In fact, it’s generally considered good business to find out as much as you can about a person before you make a hiring decision. But for some prospective employees, that’s bad news. If you have a criminal record, you may not want employers digging into your past; you’re trying to get a fresh start, Read More

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Can an Employer Fire You if They Find Out You Have a Criminal Record?

If you’re like many people, you’re concerned that an employer could find out about your criminal history – and then fire you. But is that possible (or legal)? This guide explains.

Can an Employer Fire You if They Find Out You Have a Criminal Record?

In 2021, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed into law the Employee Background Fairness Act. The act was designed to prohibit employers in Illinois from disqualifying Read More

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What Information Do You Need to Expunge or Seal Your Criminal Record?

If you want to expunge or seal your criminal record, you need specific information from your criminal record. This guide explains what information is necessary and how to get it.

What Information Do You Need to Expunge or Seal Your Criminal Record?

To expunge or seal your criminal record, you need to get certain information, including your:

  • Arrest date
  • The police department that arrested you
  • Offense that caused your arrest
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Can USCIS See Sealed Criminal Records?

If you have a criminal record, you may be wondering if U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can see it. This guide explains what happens when you seal your criminal record and whether USCIS is able to view it.

Can USCIS See Sealed Criminal Records?

USCIS can see sealed criminal records. Sealing only prevents members of the general public, including employers and landlords, from seeing criminal records. USCIS can use Read More

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Can You Expunge a Violation of an Order of Protection in Illinois?

If you’re like many people, you’ve made mistakes in the past. Sometimes, it’s possible to apply for criminal record expungement or sealing – both of which help you get a fresh start. But Is it possible to expunge or seal a violation of an order of protection in Illinois? This guide explains.

Can You Expunge a Violation of an Order of Protection in Illinois?

You cannot expunge a violation of Read More

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