Do I Have a Criminal Record?

“Do I have a criminal record?”

Lots of people ask themselves that, but the answer isn’t always as simple as you’d think.

The fact is that if you have ever been arrested, you have a criminal record – and if that’s the case, you may need to work with a Chicago criminal record expungement lawyer to clear it.

Do I Have a Criminal Record?

If you’re not sure whether you have a criminal record, you can work with an attorney to perform a criminal background check, or you can check yourself. If you have been arrested – even if it was just a “paper” arrest that didn’t require you to go to jail – or if you’ve been convicted of a crime, you have a criminal record (unless you’ve had a successful criminal record expungement).

If you have been arrested, you’re not necessarily eligible for expungement. However, even if you aren’t eligible for expungement, you could still qualify for criminal record sealing

Find out if you’re eligible for criminal record expungement now.)

What to Do if You’re Eligible for Criminal Record Expungement

Many people prefer to work with an expungement lawyer to handle the time-intensive process of clearing a criminal record. Your lawyer will need to know:

  • When, where and why you were arrested
  • What the outcome of your case was (even if it was dismissed)
  • Whether you have been arrested for or convicted of other crimes

All of these things affect the criminal record clearing process. If you’re not sure about when or where you were arrested, your attorney might be able to perform a criminal background check to determine your eligibility for expungement – but if you have your arrest records and other case documentation, you’ll help your lawyer quite a bit.

Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About Criminal Record Expungement?

If you think you may be eligible for criminal record expungement, call us right away at 847-920-4540. We’ll give you a free case review and start building a strategy to get you the fresh start you deserve.