Category: Records Sealing

How to Check Your Eligibility for Record Sealing in Illinois

March 29, 2023
Criminal Records | Records Sealing | Sealing

If you’re looking to start fresh and leave your criminal past behind you, sealing your criminal record in Illinois may be an option worth considering. But before you start the process, you need to determine whether you’re eligible. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to check your eligibility for record sealing in Illinois and why obtaining a copy of your criminal record and consulting with an attorney are Read More

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

December 21, 2022
Background Checks | Criminal Records | Expungement | Landlords | Records Sealing | Sealing

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?

December 14, 2022
Criminal Records | Expungement | Records Sealing

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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Do Dropped Charges Show Up on Your Criminal Record?

November 30, 2022
Criminal Records | Expungement | Records Sealing | Sealing

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?

November 23, 2022
Criminal Records | Expungement | Records Sealing | Sealing

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?

November 9, 2022
Criminal Records | Expungement | Records Sealing

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?

October 26, 2022
Criminal Records | Expungement | Records Sealing | Sealing

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?

October 19, 2022
Criminal Records | Immigration | Records Sealing | Sealing

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 Seal a DUI Arrest in Chicago?

September 28, 2022
DUI | Records Sealing | Sealing

If you’re like many people, you know that in the state of Illinois, it’s sometimes possible to expunge or seal a criminal record. But what about a DUI arrest? Is it possible to clear that from your criminal record? This guide explains.

Can You Seal a DUI Arrest in Chicago?

If you were arrested for DUI in Chicago or elsewhere in Illinois, but your arrest never led to a conviction, Read More

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Can Employers See Sealed Records?

August 31, 2022
Employment | Records Sealing | Sealing

If you have a criminal record, you may be wondering whether your employer (or a prospective employer) can see it. This guide explains.

Can Employers See Sealed Records?

For the most part, employers can’t see sealed records. In fact, most people can’t see them. That means if someone runs an average background check to learn more about you, your criminal record won’t show up. However, there’s a catch: Anyone who Read More

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