Expunging your criminal record in Illinois is a powerful tool for reclaiming your future. Here’s what it really involves.
What Does it Really Mean When Your Criminal Record is Expunged in Illinois?
Understanding expungement in Illinois can help you see the full benefits and limitations of clearing your record. This guide will explain:
- The definition of expungement
- How expungement affects public records
- Changes to legal rights after expungement
- Potential challenges after expungement
Here’s a closer look at each.
The Definition of Expungement
In Illinois, expungement means your criminal record is completely destroyed or returned to you—it’s as though the offenses never occurred. This process removes your criminal history from public databases and most government records.
Related: Expunge your record in Illinois
How Expungement Affects Public Records
Once your record is expunged, it should not appear on any public background checks, increasing your privacy and potential job prospects. Employers, landlords, and the general public will not be able to see any expunged arrests or convictions.
Changes to Legal Rights After Expungement
Expungement can restore rights that were lost due to a criminal conviction, such as voting rights or eligibility for public housing. However, expungement might not restore your right to own firearms, depending on the nature of the offense.
Potential Challenges After Expungement
While expungement removes records from most systems, discrepancies can occasionally occur, especially with older cases. It’s important to ensure all relevant agencies have updated their records correctly to avoid future complications.
FAQ About Expungement in Illinois
Here are some frequently asked questions about what it means when your criminal record is expunged in Illinois:
What Happens to My Criminal Record When It’s Expunged?
When your record is expunged in Illinois, it’s erased as if the offenses never occurred. This means the record is removed from most databases and won’t appear in background checks.
Related: Can prospective employers find your expunged records?
Can Expunged Records Ever Be Accessed Again?
Generally, expunged records are not accessible for most purposes. However, in rare circumstances like certain high-level government security clearances, they may be reviewed.
Does Expungement Restore All My Rights?
Expungement restores most civil rights, such as voting and serving on a jury. However, it may not restore your right to possess firearms, which depends on the nature of your original offense.
How Long Does the Expungement Process Take in Illinois?
The time frame can vary greatly but generally takes several months. Complex cases may take longer, depending on the specifics of the record and the court’s schedule.
Are All Crimes Eligible for Expungement in Illinois?
Not all crimes are eligible for expungement. Most non-violent offenses and cases that resulted in acquittal or were dismissed can be expunged. Serious crimes, particularly felonies that resulted in convictions, might not be eligible.
Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About Expungement or Sealing?
If you’re tired of your criminal past coming back to bite you, we may be able to help. Call us right now at 847-920-4540 or fill out the form below so we can talk about your case.
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