Criminal Record Expungement in Illinois: What About Felonies?

Criminal record expungement is a way for you to start fresh, with a clean slate – no more having to tell potential employers, landlords, or anyone else that you’ve been charged with or convicted of a crime. Many people choose to work with a Skokie expungement attorney so they can enjoy having a spotless criminal record.

But what about felonies? Do they count when it comes to criminal record expungement?

Criminal Record Expungement and Felonies

Most felonies don’t qualify for criminal record expungement. Even if you were convicted of a non-violent felony, you may not be able to expunge or seal your record.

Generally, criminal record expungement is limited to arrests that didn’t result in convictions, minor misdemeanors and a small number of felony drug possession convictions. Some honorably discharged veterans may qualify for criminal record expungement of Class 3 or Class 4 felonies, so if that applies to you, let your lawyer know.

If you’re not sure whether your conviction qualifies, get a copy of your criminal record and talk to an experienced expungement lawyer in Skokie who can let you know. Every case is different, so don’t assume that you can’t start fresh without checking with an attorney.

What Can Be Expunged in Illinois?

Some Class 4 drug convictions, as well as Class 4 prostitution, can be expunged in the state of Illinois. In addition to actual convictions, your case could qualify for criminal record expungement if you were found not guilty in court, there were no charges filed against you, or if your case was dismissed.

There are several other convictions that can be expunged as long as you don’t have any other convictions (but other restrictions might apply, such as being sentenced only to court supervision or waiting a set period of time).

Even if you’ve been convicted of a felony in Chicago, Skokie, Rolling Meadows or Schaumberg, you may not have to live with it hanging over your head each time you try to get a new job, move, or do anything that requires you to disclose your criminal history. You owe it to yourself – and to your family – to find out whether you qualify for criminal record expungement.