“I want my record gone!”
If you’ve said that because your criminal record has caused you to miss out on employment opportunities, cost you the chance at a decent place to live, or was used to reject a loan application, you might benefit from working with a Chicago criminal record expungement lawyer
How Do I Get Rid of My Criminal Record?
If you want your criminal record gone, you’ll need to petition the court for criminal record expungement. However, not everyone qualifies. (See “Am I Eligible for Expungement?” to discover whether you’re likely eligible.) If you don’t qualify for expungement, you may still qualify for criminal record sealing
For most people, it makes sense to work with an attorney. The process of getting your criminal record can be tough, but an attorney can complete a background check for you.
If you choose to work with an attorney, he’ll file the appropriate petitions and, if necessary, represent you in court. (It may be necessary to go to court if the state’s attorney objects to your expungement.)
Recent changes to the Illinois Criminal Identification Act may have made it easier for you to get rid of your criminal record.
Why Get Rid of a Criminal Record?
Having a criminal record can really get in the way of your everyday life. People with criminal records often:
- Have a hard time getting hired
- Experience difficulty in getting a place to live
- Experience discrimination and harassment because of their past records
- Get rejected for credit and loans
- Have difficulty finding a place to live
When your criminal record is gone, it’s not available to the public. However, remember that expungement and sealing are two different things. In some cases, there are a few exceptions, such as law enforcement agencies and the military, but for the most part, once your record is gone, it’s gone
Do You Want Your Criminal Record Gone?
If you’d like to find out whether you’re now eligible for criminal record expungement, call us immediately at 847-920-4540 for a FREE expungement case evaluation. We’ll tell you how the changes to the current law are going to help you get a fresh start and begin the process as soon as you give us the green light.
