Can You Get Your Criminal Record Expunged in Illinois?

Having a conviction or even an arrest on your record can make it difficult to get a good job, obtain a loan or rent an apartment. However, under the right circumstances and with the right help, it is possible to have your record expunged, which allows a person to live life without having past mistakes hold them back.

Do You Qualify?   

The first thing a person should know is that the state of Illinois does not offer record expungement of all offenses or convictions. Unfortunately, there are some things that will follow you throughout life regardless of how long ago they occurred. So what are some of the details that might impact one’s ability to seek and obtain destruction of past criminal records?

Orders of supervision or conviction or minor traffic offenses do not negatively impact your ability to seek expungement of other criminal convictions.

• If you complete 2nd Chance Probation under the Illinois Criminal Identification Act, the conviction associated with this is eligible for expungement.
• Honorably discharged veterans are afforded a path to obtain expungement of arrests and convictions.
• Certain convictions and first offender drug probations are eligible for expungement.
• If someone secured an Order of Protection against you that may not be sealed or expunged.
• Convictions on federal charges or those occurring out of state may not be expunged in Illinois.

Once an adult is arrested, the information regarding the criminal charge becomes part of the public record. However, there are criteria by which one can have the arrest removed from their record:

• Even if you are acquitted of all wrong doing, you must petition to have the arrest expunged.
• If charges were dismissed or never brought against you, you must petition to have that arrest removed from your record.
• If you successfully completed court-ordered supervision, a conviction does not appear on your record and the arrest can be expunged.

This is not offered as a complete list of offenses eligible for or opportunities under which one may seek expungement of a criminal record in Illinois. To properly secure complete removal of an arrest or conviction from one’s record, the individual should secure the help of a knowledgeable legal professional or criminal defense lawyer.

Rely on a Knowledgeable Illinois Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are struggling with the after-effects of an arrest or criminal conviction from your past, it may be time to learn if steps can be taken to expunge your record. Scott F. Anderson Attorney at Law is an experienced criminal defense attorney who can provide answers and guide you through the process. To schedule a free consultation just call 847-253-3400 and meet with a knowledgeable Arlington Heights criminal defense attorney.