When you’re looking to clear your criminal record, the process of expungement can be a beacon of hope. It’s a legal pathway to removing arrests, charges, and convictions from your public record, as if they never happened. But embarking on this journey alone can be overwhelming. That’s where an attorney steps in. Hiring a lawyer who specializes in expungement can offer numerous benefits that can make all the difference in Read More
If you’re like many people in Chicago and the surrounding communities, you’ve asked yourself that question—especially if you’re applying for a new job, looking for a place to live, or trying to secure credit.
Have You Asked, “Do I Have a Criminal Record”?
Many people are surprised to learn that they do, in fact, have criminal records. You don’t have to be charged with and convicted of a crime in order to have a blemished record.
If you’ve ever been arrested, you do have a criminal record.
What’s most unfortunate is that if you do have a criminal record, people who check—employers, landlords, and even credit agencies—can see it. Having a criminal record can even cause you to miss out on opportunities that you could use to better your life, including educational opportunities, jobs, and so much more.
How Do I Check My Criminal Record?
You can work with a Chicago expungement lawyer who can conduct a criminal background check for you. If you have the time and the patience, you can also find your criminal record in Chicago (or elsewhere) yourself.
Once you get a copy of it, you can begin the process of expunging or sealing your criminal record from public view. For many people, it’s a good idea to work with an attorney; the process can be somewhat complicated (and time-consuming). IIf the state’s attorney objects to your expungement or sealing, your lawyer can argue on your behalf and make your case before the judge.
Do You Need to Talk to a Chicago Expungement Lawyer?
If you’re like many people in Chicago who want to check and seal or expunge your criminal record, call us at 847-920-4540 for a free case evaluation. We’ll look at the circumstances of your case, and if necessary, we’ll run a criminal background check. The sooner you call us, the sooner we’ll be able to get to work on your case—and help you get the fresh start you deserve.