Chicago Felony Expungement
A Felony conviction doesn’t have to be a life sentence.
Having a felony on your criminal record can make life hard. But it doesn’t have to be. Our attorneys specialize in expungement and can help you get your record expunged so you can move forward after a conviction.
Everyone makes mistakes. We are a judgment-free firm.
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Can a felony be expunged?
In Illinois, it’s sometimes possible to have a felony removed from your criminal record—but the process can be complex. That’s why many people choose to work with an experienced expungement and sealing attorney.
While certain non-violent felony cases may qualify for expungement—especially if they didn’t result in a conviction—most felony convictions, especially those involving violence or sex crimes, cannot be fully erased.
The good news? Many felony convictions that don’t qualify for expungement may still be eligible for sealing, which offers similar privacy benefits by restricting who can see your record.
Sealing vs Expunging Felonies
The main difference between expungement and record sealing lies in how your criminal record is handled and who can access it:
Expungement completely erases the record as if it never happened. Once a record is expunged, it’s destroyed or removed from public and most government databases. It won’t show up on background checks.
Record sealing hides the record from the public but does not erase it. Law enforcement and certain government agencies can still access it, but it won’t appear in standard background checks for jobs, housing, or most other purposes.
In short:
Expungement = erased.
Sealing = hidden.
Both help you move forward, but expungement offers a cleaner slate.
Can a felony be expunged?
In Illinois, it’s sometimes possible to have a felony removed from your criminal record—but the process can be complex. That’s why many people choose to work with an experienced expungement and sealing attorney.
While certain non-violent felony cases may qualify for expungement—especially if they didn’t result in a conviction—most felony convictions, especially those involving violence or sex crimes, cannot be fully erased.
The good news? Many felony convictions that don’t qualify for expungement may still be eligible for sealing, which offers similar privacy benefits by restricting who can see your record.
Sealing vs Expunging Felonies
The main difference between expungement and record sealing lies in how your criminal record is handled and who can access it:
Expungement completely erases the record as if it never happened. Once a record is expunged, it’s destroyed or removed from public and most government databases. It won’t show up on background checks.
Record sealing hides the record from the public but does not erase it. Law enforcement and certain government agencies can still access it, but it won’t appear in standard background checks for jobs, housing, or most other purposes.
In short:
Expungement = erased.
Sealing = hidden.
Both help you move forward, but expungement offers a cleaner slate.
What Felonies Can Be Sealed in Illinois?
In Illinois, certain criminal convictions can never be sealed—regardless of whether they’re misdemeanors or felonies. These include:
Sex offenses
DUI & other drunk driving offenses
Felonies that CAN be sealed
The class of the felony does not matter or determine eligibility. It’s the type of offense. If you were convicted of a sex offense or a DUI offense, you are not eligible to seal it. That said, if your offense doesn’t fall into one of these categories, you may still be eligible. For example violent crimes & gun-related cases CAN be sealed.
Drug Crimes
- Possession
- Possession with Intent to Deliver
- Manufacturing or Delivery of a Controlled Substance
Property Crimes
- Burglary
- Criminal Damage to Property
- Retail Theft
White Collar Crimes
- Fraud
- Forgery
- Embezzlement
- Theft
Violent Crimes
- Aggravated Battery
- Unlawful use of weapon
- Robbery
- Murder
What Felonies Can Be Sealed in Illinois?
In Illinois, certain criminal convictions can never be sealed—regardless of whether they’re misdemeanors or felonies. These include:
Sex offenses
DUI & other drunk driving offenses
Felonies that CAN be sealed
The class of the felony does not matter or determine eligibility. It’s the type of offense. If you were convicted of a sex offense or a DUI offense, you are not eligible to seal it. That said, if your offense doesn’t fall into one of these categories, you may still be eligible. For example violent crimes & gun-related cases CAN be sealed.
Drug Crimes
- Possession
- Possession with Intent to Deliver
- Manufacturing or Delivery of a Controlled Substance
Property Crimes
- Burglary
- Criminal Damage to Property
- Retail Theft
White Collar Crimes
- Fraud
- Forgery
- Embezzlement
- Theft
Violent Crimes
- Aggravated Battery
- Unlawful use of weapon
- Robbery
- Murder
Steps to
Expunging or Sealing your Felony Record
If you’re ready to clear your record and get a fresh start, the process of expunging or sealing your criminal record in Illinois involves several key steps. While it can feel overwhelming at first, knowing what to expect—and having the right help—can make the journey much smoother. Here’s a quick overview of how to begin the process.
In Illinois, the process of expunging or sealing a criminal record typically takes 4 to 6 months from the time you file your petition until the record is officially cleared or hidden from public view. However, this timeline can vary based on factors such as the county’s caseload, whether any objections are filed, and the complexity of your case.
Overall, while many cases conclude within 4 to 6 months, some may take longer, especially in counties with heavier caseloads or if complications arise. Initiating the process promptly can help you achieve a clean slate sooner.
If you are here to find information about a Felony Expungement or Sealing, take advantage of our 100% Free Consultation. We can answer all of your questions quickly and if you decide you want help, our lawyers are ready to review your case, explore your options, and provide the answers you need.
Steps to
Expunging or Sealing your Felony Record
If you’re ready to clear your record and get a fresh start, the process of expunging or sealing your criminal record in Illinois involves several key steps. While it can feel overwhelming at first, knowing what to expect—and having the right help—can make the journey much smoother. Here’s a quick overview of how to begin the process.
In Illinois, the process of expunging or sealing a criminal record typically takes 4 to 6 months from the time you file your petition until the record is officially cleared or hidden from public view. However, this timeline can vary based on factors such as the county’s caseload, whether any objections are filed, and the complexity of your case.
Overall, while many cases conclude within 4 to 6 months, some may take longer, especially in counties with heavier caseloads or if complications arise. Initiating the process promptly can help you achieve a clean slate sooner.
If you are here to find information about a Felony Expungement or Sealing, take advantage of our 100% Free Consultation. We can answer all of your questions quickly and if you decide you want help, our lawyers are ready to review your case, explore your options, and provide the answers you need.
01.
Filing the Petition: You submit your expungement or sealing petition to the appropriate circuit court.
02.
Review Period: After filing, the State’s Attorney’s Office and other relevant agencies have 60 days to review and potentially object to your petition.
03.
Court Decision: If there are no objections, the court may grant your petition without a hearing. If objections are raised, a hearing will be scheduled, which can extend the timeline.
04.
Implementation of Order: Once the court grants the expungement or sealing, agencies like the Illinois State Police and the arresting law enforcement body have 60 days to carry out the order.
01.
Filing the Petition: You submit your expungement or sealing petition to the appropriate circuit court.
02.
Review Period: After filing, the State’s Attorney’s Office and other relevant agencies have 60 days to review and potentially object to your petition.
03.
Court Decision: If there are no objections, the court may grant your petition without a hearing. If objections are raised, a hearing will be scheduled, which can extend the timeline.
04.
Implementation of Order: Once the court grants the expungement or sealing, agencies like the Illinois State Police and the arresting law enforcement body have 60 days to carry out the order.
FAQs: Expunging a Felony
Thinking about clearing your felony record? You’re not alone—many people have questions about what’s possible and how the process works. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about felony expungement in Illinois to help you understand your options and what to expect.
While it’s not legally required, working with an experienced expungement attorney can help you avoid mistakes, speed up the process, and increase your chances of approval.
There is usually a waiting period of at least five years after completing certain types of probation. For other non-conviction records, expungement may be available immediately or after a short waiting period.
Expungement erases the record completely, while sealing hides it from public view but allows law enforcement and certain agencies to access it. Many felony convictions that can’t be expunged may still be eligible for sealing.
Only certain non-conviction felony cases—such as those that were dismissed, resulted in a not guilty verdict, or were vacated or pardoned—can be expunged. Convictions generally do not qualify unless they meet very specific legal exceptions. For more info see our list: Types of Felonies that can be Sealed
In most cases, felony convictions cannot be expunged in Illinois. However, if your felony case was dismissed, resulted in an acquittal, or you completed certain types of probation (like TASC or Second Chance Probation), you may be eligible.
Yes, these charges are eligible for expungement.
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