Archives for: January 18th, 2023

What’s the Basic Idea Behind Expungement in Illinois, and What Laws Govern It?

The basic idea behind expungement in Illinois is to give people with a criminal record a fresh start. This process, also known as record clearing or expungement, involves having your criminal records sealed. When your records are sealed, the court order restricts public access and prevents employers, landlords, and other third parties from seeing them.

In Illinois, expungement of criminal records is regulated by the Criminal Identification Act (20 Read More

READ MORE

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
Read More
READ MORE

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
Read More
READ MORE

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

READ MORE

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

READ MORE

What Info Shows Up on an Employment Background Check?

When you apply for a job, you may be subject to a background check. Many people are, so you’re definitely not alone. But what type of information can an employer see on a background check? This guide explains.

What Info Shows Up on an Employment Background Check?

Employers in Chicago and the surrounding communities are allowed to conduct criminal background checks on prospective job applicants. That’s to ensure that they Read More

READ MORE

Can an Employer Fire You if They Find Out You Have a Criminal Record?

If you’re like many people, you’re concerned that an employer could find out about your criminal history – and then fire you. But is that possible (or legal)? This guide explains.

Can an Employer Fire You if They Find Out You Have a Criminal Record?

In 2021, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed into law the Employee Background Fairness Act. The act was designed to prohibit employers in Illinois from disqualifying Read More

READ MORE

What Information Do You Need to Expunge or Seal Your Criminal Record?

If you want to expunge or seal your criminal record, you need specific information from your criminal record. This guide explains what information is necessary and how to get it.

What Information Do You Need to Expunge or Seal Your Criminal Record?

To expunge or seal your criminal record, you need to get certain information, including your:

  • Arrest date
  • The police department that arrested you
  • Offense that caused your arrest
Read More
READ MORE

3 Benefits to Expunging Your Criminal Record in Illinois

When you have a criminal record, it can feel like a weight on your shoulders that never goes away. You worry about what people will think when they find out. You may even have trouble getting a job or renting an apartment. But did you know that there is a way to clear your criminal record? Expungement offers several benefits, and here are three of the most important.

3 Benefits Read More

READ MORE

Can All Criminal Records Be Expunged or Sealed in Illinois?

If you’re like many people, you have an Illinois criminal record following you around – but is it possible to erase or seal some (or all) of your record? This guide explains.

Can All Criminal Records Be Expunged or Sealed in Illinois?

Not all criminal records can be expunged or sealed in Illinois. In fact, some convictions have to remain on your record forever. For example, if you were ever Read More

READ MORE