Archives for: November 22nd, 2023

Hiring an Attorney to Walk You Through the Maze of Criminal Record Clearing

Clearing your criminal record is a transformative process that can open doors which were once closed, offering a new lease on life. However, the journey through the legal maze of criminal record clearing in Illinois can be complex and often confusing. It’s a path best navigated with someone who knows the twists and turns intimately — an attorney. If you’re considering clearing your criminal record, you might be wondering why Read More

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Why Do Landlords Run Background Checks, and What Will They See On Yours?

If you’re like many people, you know that when you apply for a new place to live, the landlord is probably going to run a background check on you. But if they do that, will they be able to see old arrests, charges and convictions? What else will they see? This guide explains the following:

  1. What is a background check, and why do landlords run them on prospective tenants?
  2. What
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Expungement vs. Sealing: Which is Right for You?

If you’re like many people, you know that Illinois provides people the opportunity to clear their criminal records in some cases. However, expungement and sealing aren’t available in every case – and sometimes only one is an option. This guide explains the following:

  1. What is expungement in Illinois?
  2. What is sealing in Illinois?
  3. The differences between expungement and sealing
  4. Who can get their record expunged or sealed?
  5. How to get
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Do Dropped Charges Show Up on Your Criminal Record?

Many people are surprised to discover that they have criminal records – and those records can be due to simple things such as arrests and picking up criminal charges. But if the state drops its charges against you, will you still have a record? This guide explains.

Do Dropped Charges Show Up on Your Criminal Record?

As soon as you’re “booked” – that is, as soon as you’re processed in Read More

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How Soon Should You Clear Your Criminal Record Before You Look for a Job?

It’s no secret that many employers running criminal background checks on the people they’re considering hiring. In fact, it’s generally considered good business to find out as much as you can about a person before you make a hiring decision. But for some prospective employees, that’s bad news. If you have a criminal record, you may not want employers digging into your past; you’re trying to get a fresh start, Read More

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Can a Sex Offender Get a Pardon in Illinois?

If you are like many people, you find expungements, criminal record sealing, and pardons a little bit confusing – and that’s totally normal. The system is fairly complex, and there are major similarities and differences between each type of record clearing. Pardons are the most rare form of criminal record clearing, so can a sex offender get a pardon in Illinois? This guide explains.

Can a Sex Offender Get a Read More
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Can You Seal Arrests and Dismissals on Your Criminal Record?

If you have arrests and dismissals on your criminal record, can you seal them so that prospective employers and other people won’t be able to see them? This guide explains.

Can You Seal Arrests and Dismissals on Your Criminal Record?

You can seal arrests on cases that never resulted in a conviction. In fact, these are the types of cases that are always eligible for criminal record sealing:

  • Released without
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Can You Seal an Arson Charge on Your Criminal Record?

If you’ve been convicted of arson – or any other crime, for that matter – you most likely don’t want your past hanging over your head. Having a criminal record is tough, and it disrupts your life; it can prevent you from doing the things you want to do, including getting a job, finding a place to live, and even getting credit.

The good news is that you may be Read More

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7 Criminal Offenses You Can Never Seal in Illinois

Clearing your criminal record through sealing gives you a fresh start – it means that most people will never be able to see your history through a regular background check. However, there are seven criminal offenses you can never seal in Illinois; they must stay on your criminal record forever unless you receive a pardon from the governor or they’re vacated or reversed.

Here’s what they are.

7 Criminal Offenses Read More
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Does Your Criminal Record Clear After 7 Years?

If you’re like many people, you’ve heard the popular myth that your criminal record clears after seven years.

But it’s just that: A myth.

Does Your Criminal Record Clear After 7 Years?

When you have a criminal record, it lasts forever unless you take action and work through official channels to clear it. There’s no seven-year “dropoff” period in which a criminal record is erased.

So how can you clear Read More

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