Seeking Expungement in Illinois

 Posted on February 08, 2019 in Criminal Defense

After being convicted of a crime, many people believe that they will be permanently marred by one mistake. A criminal record can impact you at important times in your life, such as when searching for employment or exploring housing options. Fortunately, in the state of Illinois, there are avenues one can pursue to remove convictions from their permanent record, the most common form being expungement.

An expungement is defined as a court-ordered process in which any legal record of a prior arrest or conviction is sealed or removed from a criminal record. If you have been arrested or convicted of a crime, speak with an experienced attorney regarding your options, moving forward.

When Is Expungement Possible?

In a large number of criminal convictions, expungement is possible. In some cases, expungement can be granted immediately. If your case was stricken on leave (SOL), carried a lack of probable cause, or was acquitted in court, you may be eligible for immediate expungement.

In cases in which court supervision was granted, a conviction can be expunged after completion of the supervisory period. Drug-related offenses and minor traffic violations can also be expunged. For cases in which court supervision or probationary periods were set, a person is only eligible for expungement after a minimum of two years. It is important to note that expungement is only possible on a person’s first conviction.

Many crimes are not eligible for expungement, these include murder, sexual battery, and any substantial weapon charges. For those convicted of minor crimes, expungement can offer a new lease on life, without the implications of a prior conviction. For more information on expungement, speak with a qualified attorney.

Contact a Naperville Expungement Lawyer

When a person is convicted of a crime, it is important to understand how that conviction can impact their life, down the road. At J. Aldrich Law, P.C., we firmly believe that one mistake shouldn’t shape the rest of your life. In the aftermath of a conviction, our legal team is here to explore the possibility of expungement. If expungement is not possible, we can work to seal the conviction with an Order or Non-Disclosure.

With experienced legal professionals, we are confident in our ability to represent clients of any and all backgrounds. To schedule a complimentary meeting with a Naperville criminal defense attorney, call us today at 630-953-3000.

Source:

https://www2.illinois.gov/osad/Expungement/Documents/Crinminal%20Exp%20Guide/ExpungementSealingOverview.pdf