When you’re denied employment, financing, or even a place to live because you have a criminal record, you know how tough it can be—but you may be eligible to have your criminal record expunged
How to Get Your Record Expunged in Chicago, Skokie, or Rolling Meadows
Eligibility for Expungement in Chicago and the Surrounding Communities
The first step is determining your eligibility for expungement. Generally, if you have had a conviction, your record can’t be expunged. However, there are some exceptions—and even if you don’t qualify for expungement, you could qualify for criminal record sealing.
If you’re eligible for either expungement or sealing, your attorney will file the appropriate petitions with the court. That’s true whether you’re in Chicago, Skokie, Rolling Meadows, or another nearby city. There’s a filing fee involved with submitting your petition, which your lawyer will discuss with you prior to filing.
Objections From the State’s Attorney
The state’s attorney will have a chance to object to your expungement, but he or she may not choose to do so. If the state’s attorney objects to your expungement, you may be entitled to a hearing. Your lawyer can defend you and speak on your behalf at that hearing.
Once the Judge Approves Your Expungement
If the judge approves your expungement, he or she will grant an order saying you’re cleared. The order then needs to be sent to the Illinois State Police and the agency that arrested you. They’ll destroy your records; if your files are sealed, they’ll make them confidential except to a handful of agencies.
Do You Need to Talk to a Lawyer About Expungement?
If you need to talk to a lawyer about clearing your criminal record, call us right away at 847-920-4540 for a free expungement case review. We’ll give you the legal advice you need to get the fresh start you deserve.
Expungement, in Illinois, is a process that can get you your life back. It can clear away your old criminal record and give you the fresh start you deserve. If your record is expunged, you don’t have to tell anyone that you were ever involved in the criminal justice system – and your past won’t come back to haunt you on background checks.
What felonies can be sealed in Illinois? If you’re like most people, you’ve wondered the same thing – and although you know you’re not eligible for expungement, you could still be eligible for criminal record sealing.
Sealing means your record is hidden from the general public. If your record is sealed, it’ll still be available to law enforcement and people working in the court system, and it’ll be available to
Domestic violence – what Illinois law technically calls domestic battery – goes on your permanent criminal record. But can you expunge a domestic violence charge in Illinois? Here’s what you need to know.
Can You Expunge a Domestic Violence Charge in Illinois?
Whether you can expunge domestic violence from your criminal record depends on whether:
You were arrested but not charged with the crime of domestic battery
