If you’re like many people who have a reckless driving conviction on their criminal record, you may be wondering if it’s possible to erase it and start fresh. This guide explains what you need to know about sealing a reckless driving conviction in Illinois.
Sealing a Reckless Driving Conviction in Illinois
Not everyone is eligible to seal a reckless driving conviction in Illinois. In fact, you can only seal it if you meet certain conditions. You must have been under 25 at the time of the offense, and you cannot have any other convictions for reckless driving or driving under the influence. If you have other reckless driving convictions or one or more DUIs, you can’t seal your reckless driving conviction.
However, if you weren’t convicted at all, you can clear reckless driving charges from your record. This can happen when you’re arrested for reckless driving but the police let you go without filing charges, or if your case begins in the court system and is dropped. It can also happen if you go to trial over reckless driving charges and you’re found not guilty in court.
Related: 4 reasons to expunge your Illinois record
What if You Were Over 25 at the Time of the Offense?
If you were over 25 at the time of your reckless driving offense that led to a conviction, you can’t seal it from your criminal record. You should know, though, that it’s okay if you’re over 25 now – as long as the offense occurred before your 25th birthday (and as long as you have no other reckless driving convictions or DUIs), you can ask the court to seal this part of your criminal record.
Can You Seal Other Driving Offenses?
Minor traffic violations aren’t considered “crimes” for the purposes of expungement and sealing. For example, a speeding ticket for going 3 miles per hour over the posted limit isn’t going to show up on your criminal record, so there’s nothing to seal.
However, some driving offenses – such as driving under the influence – will show up on your criminal record. You can’t expunge criminal driving convictions like DUIs. (But again, if you were never convicted, you can ask the court to clear them from your record.)
Related: Can you get a DUI off your record in Illinois?
Do You Need to Talk to a Lawyer About Expunging or Sealing Your Criminal Record?
If you need to speak with an attorney about clearing your criminal record, we may be able to help you. Call us at 847-920-4540 now or fill out the form below for a free consultation.
