Getting a Criminal Record Expunged in Illinois

 Posted on May 24, 2024 in Expungement

One thing that can be said about people is that they make mistakes. In fact, when called out for doing something wrong, a common retort is, “I’m only human.” Mistakes are often made by youths, and the hope is that they learn from them and grow into adults who will not repeat them. Unfortunately, some of those mistakes can result in a criminal record that can follow them well into adulthood. Even if they have paid the price of their mistakes, served their time, and have seen the error of their ways, the taboo that can remain over them like a cloud might affect crucial parts of their life, including housing, employment, and educational opportunities. The good news is that under certain circumstances, some charges can be expunged from a record. It can make a huge difference if you do not need to suffer endless punishment for mistakes you made in the past. If you are interested, you should speak with a skilled Illinois criminal defense attorney to see whether you might be eligible for expungement.  

How Does Expungement Work in Illinois?

There are limitations regarding the type of information that can be expunged. Your record might be eligible for expungement if:

• You were arrested but not charged
• Charges against you were dismissed or dropped
• You were acquitted or found not guilty
• You carried out your sentence and completed your probation or court supervision

If your criminal record is expunged, it essentially no longer exists. If anyone does a background check on you for any reason, they will find no mention of any criminal background. If you are eligible for expungement, you need to file a petition with the circuit court of the county where you were arrested or charged.

Getting Your Record Sealed

If your request for expungement is denied, you still have other options. The most common is seeking to get your record sealed. It is not as sweeping a measure as expungement, and therefore, some people, like those working in law enforcement, can still access it. Potential employers and landlords should not have access to a sealed record

Schedule a Free Consultation with a DuPage County Criminal Expungement Attorney

If you want to get your criminal record expunged, speak with our experienced Wheaton, IL criminal defense lawyer. At Davi Law Group, LLC, we believe that if you made a mistake in the past, were charged, and carried out your sentence, you should not need to continue suffering and paying the price of that mistake well into the future. Call us at 630-580-6373 to schedule a free consultation so we can start working on the case.