If you have ever been arrested for a misdemeanor or a felony, the details of that arrest are part of the public record.
Some people believe that their arrest information is not accessible to the public because they were not formally charged with a crime after they were arrested or because they were charged with a crime and then later acquitted. Unfortunately, this simply is not true. Unless you take action to have your criminal record expunged or sealed, the information regarding your arrest or arrests remains in the public record, where it can have life-altering repercussions. Criminal Defense Attorney Gbenga Longe knows how important it is that your arrest information be removed from the public record so as to minimize its impact on your future and she will help you accomplish expungement or the sealing of your record whenever it is possible to do so.
EXPUNGEMENT VS. SEALING OF CRIMINAL RECORDS
There are two ways that criminal records can be removed from the public record: expungement and sealing. Some people think that expungement and sealing are the same thing; however, there are several important differences. In order to have your criminal record expunged, you must first petition the Court for an expungement and then attend a hearing on the matter. Since pursuing expungement of your criminal record involves preparing a petition and engaging with the Court at a hearing, it is to your advantage to work with a criminal defense attorney.
Some information cannot be removed, or expunged, from the criminal record, including Class 4 felonies and some misdemeanors. In the alternative, these offenses may be sealed, depending upon the specific set of circumstances. Sealed means that information regarding the offense will be made unavailable to public and can only be accessed by law enforcement personnel.
An experienced criminal defense attorney can increase the odds that the Court will grant your request to have your record expunged or sealed. If the Court does decide to expunge your arrest or your entire criminal record, you will not have to disclose any information that was removed from the record when you fill out job applications or encounter any other situations in which you are required to disclose arrests or other information that would be contained in the public record.
Contact The Chicago DUI Attorneys, or call our office today at 708-787-3412
Chicago Expungement and Sealing Attorney FAQs
Q. What is the difference between expungement and sealing in Illinois? Ask a Chicago Expungement and Sealing Attorney.
A. In Illinois, expungement completely removes the arrest or court record from public view so that it no longer appears in background checks conducted by employers, landlords, or most government agencies. Sealing, on the other hand, hides the record from the general public but allows certain agencies—such as law enforcement, courts, and some licensing boards—to still access it. The Chicago DUI Attorneys can review your specific criminal history and explain which option is available and most beneficial under Illinois law, helping you achieve the cleanest possible record moving forward in the Chicago area.
Q. Which criminal records can be expunged in Chicago, Illinois? Consult a Chicago Expungement and Sealing Lawyer.
A. In Illinois, most non-conviction records—such as arrests that did not result in conviction, charges that were dismissed, nolle prossed, or resulted in a finding of not guilty—are eligible for expungement. Certain misdemeanor convictions may also qualify under specific conditions, particularly if they occurred a number of years ago and meet statutory waiting periods. The experienced Chicago Expungement and Sealing Attorneys at The Chicago DUI Attorneys can evaluate your case, confirm eligibility under the Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/), and guide you through the petition process to maximize your chances of a successful expungement.
Q. How long do I have to wait to seal a criminal record in Chicago? Speak with a Chicago Expungement and Sealing Attorney.
A. Waiting periods for sealing in Illinois vary depending on the offense. Most Class 4 felonies require a 3-year waiting period after the end of the sentence (including probation or parole), while most misdemeanors require 2 years. Certain felonies and violent offenses have longer or permanent bars. The Chicago DUI Attorneys can help determine the exact waiting period that applies to your record, ensure all requirements are met, and prepare a strong petition to seal your record in Cook County or other Illinois courts.
Q. Can a DUI conviction be sealed in Chicago, IL? Contact a Chicago Expungement and Sealing Lawyer.
A. Yes, many DUI convictions in Illinois are eligible to be sealed after the required waiting period has passed. For a first-time DUI (typically a Class A misdemeanor), you generally must wait 2 years after the end of your sentence, including any probation or court supervision. Aggravated DUI convictions may have different rules. The Chicago DUI Attorneys have extensive experience helping clients successfully seal DUI records, improving employment prospects, licensing opportunities, and personal privacy in the Chicago area.
Q. How does a Chicago Expungement and Sealing Attorney help with the petition process?
A. A skilled Chicago expungement and sealing attorney handles every step of the process: reviewing your criminal history, confirming eligibility, preparing and filing the petition, obtaining necessary certificates of eligibility from the Illinois State Police, serving required notices to the State’s Attorney, and representing you at any hearing in Cook County Circuit Court. The Chicago DUI Attorneys streamline this often complex procedure, reduce the risk of denial, and work diligently to give you the fresh start you deserve under Illinois law.
Q. Will expungement or sealing appear on a background check in Chicago? Ask a Chicago Expungement and Sealing Attorney.
A. Once expungement is granted in Illinois, the record is completely removed and will not appear on standard background checks used by most employers, landlords, schools, or private companies. Sealed records are hidden from the general public and most civilian background checks, though law enforcement, certain government agencies, and specific licensing boards may still see them. The Chicago DUI Attorneys can explain exactly how your record will appear (or disappear) after the process is complete and help you choose the option that best fits your goals.
Q. Can I seal multiple convictions in Chicago? Consult a Chicago Expungement and Sealing Lawyer.
A. Yes, Illinois law allows you to petition to seal multiple eligible convictions in a single proceeding, provided they meet the statutory waiting periods and eligibility requirements. There is no strict limit on the number of cases that can be sealed together. The Chicago DUI Attorneys can review your entire criminal history, identify all sealable records, and prepare a comprehensive petition to address everything at once, saving time and increasing efficiency.
Q. What happens if my expungement or sealing petition is denied in Chicago? Talk to a Chicago Expungement and Sealing Attorney.
A. If a petition is denied, you usually have the right to appeal or, in many cases, refile after correcting any deficiencies or after additional time has passed. Common reasons for denial include incomplete paperwork, active warrants, unpaid fines, or ineligibility of certain offenses. The Chicago DUI Attorneys carefully prepare petitions to avoid common pitfalls, represent clients at hearings, and—if necessary—take additional steps to overcome denials and achieve a positive outcome.
Q. How long does the expungement or sealing process take in Chicago, Illinois?
A. The timeline for expungement or sealing in Illinois typically ranges from 4 to 12 months, depending on the court’s caseload in Cook County, whether a hearing is required, and how quickly the Illinois State Police processes the required background check and certificate of eligibility. The Chicago DUI Attorneys monitor the process closely, follow up with all agencies involved, and keep you informed every step of the way to help expedite your case.
Q. How much does it cost to hire a Chicago Expungement and Sealing Lawyer?
A. The cost of hiring a Chicago expungement and sealing lawyer depends on the complexity of your criminal history, the number of cases involved, whether hearings are required, and other case-specific factors. Fees generally cover the full representation, including filing fees, obtaining certificates, and court appearances. The Chicago DUI Attorneys offer transparent consultations to discuss your specific situation, explain all costs upfront, and show how professional representation can increase the likelihood of success and save you time and stress in the long run.
Contact The Chicago DUI Attorneys for a confidential consultation about expungement or sealing your record in Chicago, Illinois. Call our office at 708-787-3412.
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