In many cases, misdemeanor convictions can be sealed in Chicago, Rolling Meadows, Skokie and Schaumburg (as well as elsewhere in Illinois).
However, there are some crimes that qualify for neither sealing nor expungement—and if you have been convicted of one of them, your only other option is a pardon from the governor of Illinois, which is known as executive clemency.
What Crimes Do NOT Qualify for Sealing in Illinois?
Offenses that don’t qualify for criminal record sealing in Illinois will remain on your record.
The crimes that do not qualify for sealing in Illinois (under 20 ILCS 2630, the Criminal Identification Act) include:
- Any offense that would require you to register under the Sex Offender Registration Act
- Battery of an unborn child
- Dog fighting
- Domestic battery
- Driving under the influence
- Failure to provide for the humane care of an animal
- Minor traffic offenses
- Reckless driving
- Sex offenses (except prostitution)
- Violating a civil no-contact order
- Violating an order of protection
- Violating a stalking no-contact order
However, many crimes do qualify for criminal record sealing in Illinois.
What Crimes DO Qualify for Criminal Record Sealing in Illinois?
Criminal records can only be sealed for adults or minors who were prosecuted as adults. In order to be eligible for criminal record sealing, you must have been prosecuted for a misdemeanor or municipal ordinance violation—and you must have been acquitted, released without being convicted, or had your conviction reversed.
Do You Want to Find Out About Sealing Your Illinois Criminal Record?
You can find out if your criminal record qualifies for expungement (remember, even if you don’t qualify for expungement, you may qualify for criminal record sealing) or you can call us at 847-920-4540 to find out whether you may be eligible for sealing. We’ll give you a free criminal record sealing case evaluation and help you determine the best course of action to get you the fresh start you deserve.
