What if you have criminal records in more than one county? This guide explains what to do to clear all your criminal records across the state.

If you’re like many people, you have a criminal history – and your history may include arrests, dropped charges, findings of not guilty or even convictions. In many cases, people are able to clear their criminal records through expungement or sealing. But what if you have criminal records in more than one county in Illinois? This guide explains. 

What if You Have Criminal Records in More Than One County in Illinois?

Lots of people live, work and spend time in more than one county in Illinois. As a result, some people have criminal records in more than one county in Illinois – it’s not unusual for someone to have a criminal record in Cook County, DuPage County, or a mix of other counties nearby (or even across the state).

Related: Will a domestic violence conviction show up on a background check?

If that sounds like your situation, you need to know that you’ll have to file expungement or sealing petitions in each county that has a record on you. For example, if you were arrested in Chicago and found not guilty of a crime there, you’ll have to ask for expungement or sealing in Cook County. If you were found guilty of a low-level pot charge in Wheaton or Oak Brook, you’ll have to ask DuPage County to seal your record. 

However, if all your criminal record is contained to one county – even if there are multiple records (such as arrests, findings of not guilty, or convictions) – you can file one petition in that county. Your attorney will need a full copy of your criminal record for each county if you want to ask the court to expunge or seal it. If you don’t have a full copy of your criminal record, your attorney can conduct a background check to get it.

Related: Can you join the Army with a criminal history?

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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