Top Questions About Expungement in DuPage County

 Posted on May 25, 2022 in Criminal Law

Criminal records are public information. If someone is charged with a crime, anyone can view the arrest record with a few clicks of the mouse button. Not only does a criminal record harm an individual's personal reputation, it can also prevent that person from securing adequate housing and employment.

If you have a criminal record, you may be interested in getting your record expunged. Read on to learn about expungement and record sealing in Illinois.

Do I Have a Criminal Record if I Was Never Convicted?

In the United States, people are considered innocent until proven guilty in court. Consequently, many people assume that merely being arrested or charged with a crime does not result in a criminal record. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Being arrested is recorded and anyone can view the record of the arrest.

Can I Clear My Name Through Expungement?

Expungement destroys the record of an arrest. Once a record is expunged, it does not show up on a background check and cannot be viewed by the general public.

You may be able to get your record expunged if:

• The charges against you were dismissed.

• You were found not guilty.

• You were acquitted.

• Your conviction was reversed.

• You successfully completed court supervision.

• You successfully completed probation.

Certain offenses are not eligible for expungement. You may also need to wait a certain amount of time before you can get your record expunged. To determine exactly what your expungement options are, contact a criminal defense lawyer with experience in expungement and record sealing.

Can I Prevent People from Viewing My Criminal Convictions?

If someone pleads guilty or is found guilty of a crime, he or she may not be eligible for expungement. Fortunately, there is another option. Record sealing does not completely erase a criminal record by expungement, but it hides the record from the general public. Friends and family cannot view a sealed record and it does not show up on most background checks. Only certain government agencies and employers can view the record once it is sealed.

Contact a DuPage County Record Expungement Lawyer

If you were arrested for a crime, there is still a public record of the arrest even if you were not convicted. Fortunately, you may be able to get your record expunged. If you were convicted, you may still qualify for record sealing. To discuss your options and get started, contact a skilled Wheaton criminal defense attorney from Davi Law Group, LLC. Call usat 630-580-6373 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://www2.illinois.gov/osad/Expungement/Pages/Expungement-and-Sealing-General-Information.aspx