Chicago Expungement Attorney

An Expungement is a legal process that once completed removes all evidence of an arrest. A person who is processed ( fingerprinted, mugshots), and never even charged with a crime, still has a record of this incident and should have it expunged. Under certain circumstances an individual can request an order from the Presiding Judge of the County where he was prosecuted, to Expunge his/her arrest record. Speak with experienced Chicago expungement attorney Michael A. Johnson to determine if you qualify to have your criminal record expunged.

How Do I Qualify to Have my Record Expunged in Chicago?

If you were arrested or processed by the police and one of the following happened, you can file for an Expungement:

1. The case was dismissed, without going to trial.
2. There was a finding of NOT-GUILTY as to all charges.
3. There was a plea of GUILTY, and a sentence of Supervision which was completed satisfactorily.
4. There was a sentence of EXPUNGEABLE PROBATION, which is typically in a first offender Drug Crime.
5. There was a conviction in the trial court that was reversed by the Appellate Court.

If you were convicted of a crime, there are certain misdemeanor and felony offenses that cannot be sealed. Misdemeanor crimes such as assault, battery, driving under the influence and most sex crimes cannot be expunged. Likewise, most felony convictions cannot be expunged. Only certain felony drug or prostitution offenses can be sealed.

Why is it Important to Have a Criminal Record Expunged?

If you are looking for a job or applying to a school, your arrest record can be easily accessed by any potential employers and colleges. An arrest can also keep you from receiving certain licenses, or to be bonded. However, if your record is expunged or sealed, in most cases you will not be required to disclose your arrest or conviction to others, including potential employers.

Expunged records will be either be returned to you or physically destroyed, and any mention of your name will be removed from public criminal records. Sealed records will not be destroyed, but are kept confidential. The general public will typically be unable to access your sealed record, but law enforcement agencies will still be able to view it.

Criminal Record Sealing Lawyer in Chicago

If you or a loved one has an arrest on your criminal background, no matter how old, you should contact an attorney that understands the complex process of filing an Expungement. Michael A. Johnson has expunged hundreds of arrest records on behalf of his clients. Contact Michael A. Johnson – a Chicago Expungement Attorney – at 312-222-0660 to inquire as to whether your record can be expunged.