Archives for: December 21st, 2022

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

December 21, 2022
Background Checks | Criminal Records | Expungement | Landlords | Records Sealing | Sealing

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?

December 14, 2022
Criminal Records | Expungement | Records Sealing

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?

November 30, 2022
Criminal Records | Expungement | Records Sealing | Sealing

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?

November 23, 2022
Criminal Records | Expungement | Records Sealing | Sealing

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?

March 2, 2022
Pardons

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.

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Can You Seal Arrests and Dismissals on Your Criminal Record?

June 2, 2021
Arrests | Expungement | Sealing

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?

April 27, 2021
Sealing

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

April 13, 2021
Sealing

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?

April 7, 2021
Arrests | Background Checks | Convictions | Criminal Records | Expungement | Sealing

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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What Should You Ask a Lawyer About Expungement?

February 24, 2021
Expungement | Sealing

If you’re like many people who want to clear a criminal record, you know that it’ll be easier if you have an attorney take care of the process for you. For most people, it all starts with a free case review – but when you’re talking to a lawyer about your situation, what should you ask? Here’s what you need to know.

What Should You Ask a Lawyer About Expungement? Read More
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