Do I have a criminal record if my case was dismissed?
Yes, you do!
Here’s what you need to know.
Do I Have a Criminal Record if My Case Was Dismissed?
A lot of people are surprised to find out that they have a criminal record after having a case dismissed. That’s because the police and the court system both keep track of every case that comes through their files – and arrests and court cases stay there unless you actively take steps to remove them.
How to Remove Dismissed Cases From Your Criminal Record
If your arrest didn’t result in criminal charges, you don’t have to keep it on your record. Likewise, if your case was dismissed, it doesn’t need to stay on your record. To get rid of it and get a clean start, you may want to explore criminal record expungement or criminal record sealing.
What is Criminal Record Expungement?
Expungement is a complete reset. Your criminal record is destroyed or returned to you, which means it no longer exists in the court’s (or the police’s) files. It’s like it never even happened – and even if you have to fill out a job application, you can leave the box that says “Have you ever been arrested?” blank. Nobody can see your record… because it doesn’t exist.
What is Criminal Record Sealing?
Criminal record sealing is like expungement in that nobody can see your criminal record, but it doesn’t disappear. It’s simply blocked from public view. Law enforcement, judicial officers and some employers (like hospitals and the military) can still see it. Landlords and ordinary employers won’t see it, though; it’s not going to come up on a standard background check. Your records still exist.
How Do You Know if You’re Eligible for Expungement or Sealing?
If you’re expunging your criminal record in Illinois, you must first make sure you’re eligible. So what do you look for on your record to determine whether you’re eligible for criminal record clearing?
Here’s what you need to know.
Expunging Your Record? Here’s What to Look For
When you talk to a Chicago expungement attorney about clearing your criminal record, you’ll need a complete copy of your record. If you
Clearing your criminal record through sealing gives you a fresh start – it means that most people will never be able to see your history through a regular background check. However, there are seven criminal offenses you can never seal in Illinois; they must stay on your criminal record forever unless you receive a pardon from the governor or they’re vacated or reversed.
If you’re like many people, you’ve heard the popular myth that your criminal record clears after seven years.
But it’s just that: A myth.
Does Your Criminal Record Clear After 7 Years?
When you have a criminal record, it lasts forever unless you take action and work through official channels to clear it. There’s no seven-year “dropoff” period in which a criminal record is erased.
