Chicago Drug Charge Expungement
Break free from your record—get your drug felony expunged
A drug-related felony or drug offense can make it tough to get a job, find housing, or move forward—but it doesn’t have to define your future. Our experienced expungement attorneys focus on helping people clear their records and get a fresh start after a drug conviction.
We understand that everyone makes mistakes. At our firm, there’s no judgment—only solutions and support.
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Can you get a drug felony expunged?
Yes—depending on your case. Illinois does allow some drug charges to be expunged or sealed, especially if your case was dismissed, you completed a diversion program like drug court, or your charge involved cannabis. One key option is the Illinois Second Chance Probation program. If you qualify and successfully complete this program, you avoid a conviction, which means you may be eligible to have the charge expunged. However, most felony drug convictions can’t be expunged unless they meet very specific conditions. There are different ways to expunge your record, and each depends on what type of record you have.
Fortunately, Illinois law allows you to seal drug offenses if they are not eligible to be expunged. Although sealing is different from expungement, it has almost the same effect: Your criminal record will no longer be available to the general public, and it won’t come up in standard criminal background checks.
Every situation is different, so it’s a good idea to speak with an experienced expungement attorney to find out your options and take the next step toward a clean record.
Can you get a misdemeanor drug charge expunged?
Yes, in many cases you can. If your misdemeanor drug charge was dismissed, you were found not guilty, or you completed court supervision successfully, you’re likely eligible to have the record expunged. Even if you were convicted, some misdemeanor drug offenses may qualify for sealing instead—meaning they’re hidden from most employers and landlords. If you completed a program like Second Chance Probation or drug court, and your case didn’t result in a conviction, you may also be eligible for expungement.
Can you get a drug felony expunged?
Yes—depending on your case. Illinois does allow some drug charges to be expunged or sealed, especially if your case was dismissed, you completed a diversion program like drug court, or your charge involved cannabis. One key option is the Illinois Second Chance Probation program. If you qualify and successfully complete this program, you avoid a conviction, which means you may be eligible to have the charge expunged. However, most felony drug convictions can’t be expunged unless they meet very specific conditions. There are different ways to expunge your record, and each depends on what type of record you have.
Fortunately, Illinois law allows you to seal some Class 4 felonies. Although sealing is different from expungement, it has almost the same effect: Your criminal record will no longer be available to the general public, and it won’t come up in standard criminal background checks.
Every situation is different, so it’s a good idea to speak with an experienced expungement attorney to find out your options and take the next step toward a clean record.
Can you get a misdemeanor drug charge expunged?
Yes, in many cases you can. If your misdemeanor drug charge was dismissed, you were found not guilty, or you completed court supervision successfully, you’re likely eligible to have the record expunged. Even if you were convicted, some misdemeanor drug offenses may qualify for sealing instead—meaning they’re hidden from most employers and landlords. If you completed a program like Second Chance Probation or drug court, and your case didn’t result in a conviction, you may also be eligible for expungement.
What Drug Charges Can Be Expunged or Sealed In Illinois?
Beginning January 1, 2014, Illinois expanded its sealing laws to include specific Class 3 and Class 4 felony offenses, giving more people a chance to clear their record.
Possession of cannabis
Possession of a controlled substance
Delivery of a Controlled Substance
Possession with Intent to Deliver a controlled Substance
What Drug Charges Can Be Sealed in Illinois?
Beginning January 1, 2014, Illinois expanded its sealing laws to include specific Class 3 and Class 4 felony offenses, giving more people a chance to clear their record.
Possession of Cannabis
Possession of a Controlled Substance
Delivery of a Controlled Substance
Possession with Intent to Deliver a controlled Substance
Steps to
Drug Felony Expungement in Illinois
If you’ve been convicted of a drug offense in Illinois and want to move forward with a clean slate, expunging or sealing your record is a powerful step. While the process may seem complicated at first, understanding the steps—and having the right legal support—can make it much easier to navigate.
In most cases, the process of expunging or sealing a drug-related felony takes 4 to 6 months from the time your petition is filed to the final court decision. This timeline can vary depending on factors like the county’s caseload, whether any objections are raised, or the complexity of your case (such as whether you participated in Second Chance Probation or another diversion program).
Getting started as soon as you’re eligible can help you get results sooner—and finally put your past behind you.
If you’re exploring your options for sealing or expunging a felony drug charge, we offer a 100% Free Consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you decide the best path forward. No judgment—just real answers and legal support from attorneys who understand the system and fight to help you start fresh.
Steps to
Getting a Drug Felony Expunged in Illinois
If you’ve been convicted of a drug offense in Illinois and want to move forward with a clean slate, expunging or sealing your record is a powerful step. While the process may seem complicated at first, understanding the steps—and having the right legal support—can make it much easier to navigate.
In most cases, the process of expunging or sealing a drug-related felony takes 4 to 6 months from the time your petition is filed to the final court decision. This timeline can vary depending on factors like the county’s caseload, whether any objections are raised, or the complexity of your case (such as whether you participated in Second Chance Probation or another diversion program).
Getting started as soon as you’re eligible can help you get results sooner—and finally put your past behind you.
If you’re exploring your options for sealing or expunging a felony drug charge, we offer a 100% Free Consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you decide the best path forward. No judgment—just real answers and legal support from attorneys who understand the system and fight to help you start fresh.
01.
Check Eligibility – Many drug charges can be expunged if they were dismissed, ended in a not guilty verdict, or resolved through court supervision or diversion programs like Drug Court or Second Chance Probation. Some convictions may be eligible for sealing under certain conditions.
02.
Gather Case Information – Get copies of your case file and final disposition from the clerk’s office in the county where your case was handled.
03.
File Your Petition – Complete the Illinois expungement or sealing forms and submit them to the circuit court, along with any necessary fees or required notices.
04.
Court Review & Decision – A judge will review your petition and may hold a hearing. If approved, your record will be expunged (erased) or sealed (hidden from public view).
01.
Check Eligibility – Many drug charges can be expunged if they were dismissed, ended in a not guilty verdict, or resolved through court supervision or diversion programs like Drug Court or Second Chance Probation. Some convictions may be eligible for sealing under certain conditions.
02.
Gather Case Information – Get copies of your case file and final disposition from the clerk’s office in the county where your case was handled.
03.
File Your Petition – Complete the Illinois expungement or sealing forms and submit them to the circuit court, along with any necessary fees or required notices.
04.
Court Review & Decision – A judge will review your petition and may hold a hearing. If approved, your record will be expunged (erased) or sealed (hidden from public view).
FAQs: Expunging a Drug Charge
Wondering if you can clear a drug-related felony from your record? You’re not alone. Many people are unsure about what’s possible and how the expungement or sealing process actually works—especially when it comes to drug charges. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about drug charge expungement and sealing in Illinois to help you better understand your options and what to expect.
In most cases, the process of expunging or sealing a drug-related felony takes 4 to 6 months from the time your petition is filed to the final court decision. This timeline can vary depending on factors like the county’s caseload, whether any objections are raised, or the complexity of your case (such as whether you participated in Second Chance Probation or another diversion program).
When preparing your petition, it’s important to have all the necessary records ready. For most drug charge cases, you’ll need:
- Certified copies of your court records – including the original charge, case disposition, and sentencing order (if any).
- Arrest records – from the police department or agency that made the arrest.
- Proof of program completion – if you participated in Drug Court, Second Chance Probation, or another diversion or treatment program.
- Photo ID – such as a state-issued ID or driver’s license for filing.
Having these documents in order helps the court confirm your eligibility and process your petition without delays. An experienced expungement attorney can assist in obtaining missing records and ensuring your petition is properly filed.
Yes—if there was no conviction. Dismissals, not guilty outcomes, or completion of supervision can qualify. Convictions usually can’t be expunged but may be eligible for sealing in some cases.
Often, yes. Many misdemeanor drug charges can be expunged if they were dismissed, you were found not guilty, or you completed court supervision. Convictions may be eligible for sealing but not always for expungement.
Yes—if the case didn’t result in a conviction. Dismissed charges, not guilty verdicts, diversion programs, or Second Chance Probation may qualify. Some convictions can be sealed under certain conditions, but expungement is more limited.
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