Category Archives: expungement

WILL MY OUTSTANDING COURT FINES KEEP ME FROM EXPUNGING OR SEALING MY CRIMINAL RECORD IN ILLINOIS?

The answer, in most cases, is no. A change in Illinois law permits you to expunge or seal your criminal record notwithstanding any fines or fees you may owe. Before you can clear your criminal record, your case must have … Continue reading

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SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT: ILLINOIS IDENTITY THEFT EXPUNGEMENT

Your name is Jack Smith, but you’re not THAT Jack Smith, the one who stole your identity and misused a credit card or embezzled from a bank account or got a DUI using a license with your information. Perhaps you … Continue reading

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NEW ILLINOIS LAW ALLOWS MORE NON-VIOLENT FELONY OFFENDERS TO SEAL CRIMINAL RECORDS

Beginning January 1, 2014, certain types of felony offenders will now be eligible to leave their criminal record in the past. Under the new law, offenders with convictions for non-violent Class 3 and Class 4 felonies may petition to seal … Continue reading

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DO I NEED AN ATTORNEY FOR A PARDON IN ILLINOIS?

It’s been many years since you completed your sentence on that felony conviction. You have really turned your life around. You are working a good job, have a good family and are contributing to society. Still, you would like to … Continue reading

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EXPUNGING CHICAGO CASES JUST GOT FASTER!

Good news for those trying to expunge or seal their criminal record: Clearing your Chicago case just got faster! As in the past, you must first file any Chicago petition with the Cook County Circuit Court. The State and Chicago … Continue reading

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PARDON ME!: CLEMENCY PETITIONERS NOW HAVE A CHANCE IN ILLINOIS

It’s tough enough to find a job these days. The last thing you need on your record is that felony shoplifting hit you took for stealing that expensive dress or that domestic violence misunderstanding where you pled to supervision. Crimes … Continue reading

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‘I CAN’T GET A JOB!”: CLEARING YOUR CRIMINAL RECORD – PARDONS & EXPUNGEMENTS

(Updated 2/20/13) In today’s tough job market, you are at greater risk of losing out on that job opportunity you wanted because of an undesirable criminal record. But there may still be hope. If you were charged with a crime … Continue reading

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“I MEANT TO PAY FOR IT”: WHEN YOU ARE ACCUSED OF SHOPLIFTING

You are visiting your favorite big box store. You picked up a couple DVDs that you were thinking of purchasing, but then got distracted and walked out the door with them. Before you knew it, security was after you, and … Continue reading

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