Record Expungement in Illinois

What is expungement?

Criminal records show not only convictions for crimes, but also arrests and charges filed against an individual. This means that, even if you were not charged with or found guilty of an offense, your arrest and / or charges will still appear on your record during a background check. Potential employers will see that you were arrested or charged with a crime and, even though nothing came of it, they may be hesitant to hire you. Of course, consequences are far more serious when a conviction does result. There may still be a way for you to clean up your criminal record, however, if you have any such mark on your record. Speak with a Chicago criminal defense attorney today to learn whether or not you qualify for record expungement.

Eligibility for Expungement

Expungement is court-mandated act of having an arrest, charge, or conviction erased or "sealed" from a compliant offender's criminal record. Some crimes do not qualify for expungement, such as felonies (with the exception of some Class 4 drug crimes and prostitution crimes), but many can be erased as long as the individual complied with the terms of their parole or sentence without further incident and has not since been charged with a subsequent offense. Find out if you are eligible to have an arrest, charge, or conviction sealed from your record as though it never happened! Contact Smith Ortiz P.C. today.

Speak with a Chicago Attorney Today

Our firm has defended countless clients from criminal charges of all kinds and can also help you successfully petition for expungement in Chicago. The process requires extensive paperwork and evidence of your compliant behavior throughout your criminal process and sentence. By hiring a criminal defense attorney from our firm, you will have the counsel and guidance of a knowledgeable lawyer by your side every step of the way. Contact us today!