In Illinois, any time you are arrested or charged with an offense, a criminal record is created. This is true even if the case is dropped or you are found not guilty. These criminal records can be viewed by the public, including potential employers and landlords. We can help you fight to clear your record and your name. Contact us for a free case review to determine if you are eligible to have your criminal record expunged or sealed.
Expungement of Criminal Records- Expungement destroys the records of arrests, court supervisions, and some types of probation. All acquittals, dismissals, and satisfactorily completed non-conviction sentences are eligible to be expunged. Expungement in Illinois results in all of the records in your case being removed and destroyed, including all records in the possession of the Illinois State Police.
Sealing of Criminal Records- If a record cannot be expunged, it may be eligible to be sealed. Many misdemeanors and felonies can be sealed. When a record is sealed, it cannot be seen by most employers or other members of the public. Your record can still be seen by law enforcement agencies. Employers who are legally required to conduct background checks can see sealed felony convictions, but they cannot see sealed misdemeanor convictions or cases not resulting in convictions.
Certificate of Good Conduct/Certificate of Relief from Disabilities- If a prior criminal record cannot be expunged or sealed, you may be eligible to obtain a finding by a court that you have been "rehabilitated." Both certificates limit the civil and criminal liability of an employer who wishes to hire you.
Certificate of Good Conduct- This certificate may help you overcome barriers to being hired. This includes employment by Illinois Schools, Metropolitan Transit Authority, and local park districts. You may be able to get the certificate if it has been two years since you successfully completed your sentence, and you have not been convicted of a Class X Felony, aggravated DUI, aggravated domestic battery, or a forcible felony resulting in great bodily harm.
Certificate of Relief from Disabilities- This Certificate allows you to obtain a professional license for certain professions, such as a barber, cosmetology, real estate agent, roofer, engineer, accountant, therapist, and more. You may be eligible to obtain the certificate if you have not been convicted of a Class X Felony, aggravated DUI, aggravated domestic battery, or a forcible felony resulting in great bodily harm.
Clemency Petitions- If a criminal conviction remains on your record, you may petition the governor for clemency. Clemency may include a request for a pardon and/or expungement. Clemency petitions are most successful after a significant period of time has passed since you were convicted of the offense, and you can demonstrate a significant life change.