Expungements

What is Expungement?

Expungement is the legal process of erasing or sealing a criminal record so that it is no longer accessible to the public. In Illinois, the Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/) governs expungement and record sealing. Expungement physically destroys the records, while sealing hides them from public view but allows law enforcement access. Eligibility depends on the type of offense, the outcome of the case, and the time elapsed since disposition. Arrests that did not result in conviction are generally eligible for expungement, while certain convictions may qualify for sealing under Illinois law.

Expungement Lawyers

Is a criminal record preventing you from obtaining the job you want or getting admitted to a certain school? Are you concerned that your criminal conviction will always stay on your record? If so, you need to contact an expungement lawyer to determine whether you are eligible to have your criminal record expunged.

An expungement is the process of erasing your criminal record from public and private records. If your criminal records are expunged, your record is physically destroyed. This means that an expungement will prevent potential employers and others from finding your past criminal convictions during a background check.

However, there are certain restrictions with expungements. For example, some employers will still require that you disclose past criminal convictions, even if your expungement lawyer has been successful.

Partner Nrupa Patel teaching a CLE on expungement law and other criminal related issues.

What happens if a criminal record cannot be expunged?
Sometimes, a criminal record cannot be expunged. If that occurs, the criminal record might be able to become sealed. When a criminal record is sealed, this means that it is no longer available to employers or other members of the public. It can only be viewed by employers or public members when and if a Judge orders the record to be unsealed. However, a sealed criminal record can still be seen by law enforcement agencies.

What are the benefits of having your criminal record expunged?
Expungement refers to the legal process of erasing or sealing criminal records from public access. There are several benefits of expungement, including:
Improved employment opportunities: A criminal record can limit job opportunities and make it challenging for individuals to advance in their careers. Expungement can help remove this barrier by allowing individuals to present a clean criminal record to potential employers.
Access to housing: Landlords may use criminal records as a basis for denying housing to applicants. Expungement can help individuals with criminal records gain access to housing that would otherwise be unavailable to them.

Ability to obtain professional licenses: Many professions require a background check as part of the licensing process. A criminal record can disqualify individuals from obtaining certain professional licenses. Expungement can increase the chances of obtaining a professional license.

Restoration of voting rights: Some states restrict voting rights for individuals with criminal records. Expungement can help restore these rights, allowing individuals to participate in the democratic process.

Improved self-esteem and social standing: A criminal record can create a negative stigma that can be difficult to overcome. Expungement can provide a sense of closure and help individuals move forward without the burden of their past mistakes.

Overall, expungement can help individuals with criminal records overcome the negative consequences of their past actions and move forward with their lives.

Need an Expungement Lawyer? Contact Our Team of Criminal Lawyers
BRE Law’s criminal defense lawyers Fallon Conner, Courtney Anderson, Nrupa Patel and Andrew Wessler are experienced advocates who can quickly advise you whether or not your case is eligible for expungement.

BRE Law Partner Nrupa Patel is a former prosecutor. Now that she is a criminal defense attorney, she regularly helps clients expunge past criminal convictions. In her capacities as an expungement lawyer, she has served on expungement committees and has advised other lawyers on expungement laws.

Get Fast and Effective Legal Solutions

If you would like to discuss your criminal record with an expungement lawyer, please contact us to schedule a consultation. For a nominal up-front fee, Nrupa can determine whether you are eligible for an expungement. If you meet the eligibility criteria, she can then help you move forward with having your criminal record expunged.