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๐Ÿ› Chicago Expungement Attorneys

Criminal Record?
Chicago Attorneys Help You
Clear Your Record.

A criminal record can follow you for life โ€” costing you jobs, housing, and opportunities. Illinois law allows many arrests and some convictions to be expunged or sealed. Our Chicago expungement attorneys help you understand your eligibility and navigate the process efficiently.

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Illinois Expungement and Sealing Law

Illinois distinguishes between expungement (destroying the record) and sealing (hiding the record from most public view). Expungement is generally available for arrests that didn't result in conviction, and for certain minor convictions where the sentence has been completed. Sealing is available for a broader range of convictions and is still highly valuable โ€” sealed records are invisible to most employers, landlords, and the public. Our attorneys evaluate your complete record and pursue every available form of relief.

Why Clearing Your Record Changes Everything

With a clear record, you can truthfully answer 'no' to most employer background check questions, qualify for housing you were previously denied, pursue professional licenses, and move forward without the shadow of past mistakes. Illinois's Clean Slate Law has expanded expungement eligibility significantly โ€” many people who were previously ineligible can now clear their records. Our attorneys stay current on every change and maximize your relief.

  • Free consultation โ€” no obligation, ever
  • No fees unless we win your case
  • Response within 15 minutes, 24/7
  • 400+ vetted Illinois attorneys in our network
  • $1.8B+ recovered for clients statewide

Expungement & Sealing Cases We Handle

Our network of Chicago attorneys handles every variation of this case type. Call now or submit below for a free case review.

Arrest-Only Expungement

Clearing arrests that did not result in conviction โ€” strongest form of relief available.

Misdemeanor Conviction Sealing

Sealing eligible misdemeanor convictions after the required waiting period.

Felony Conviction Sealing

Many felony convictions can now be sealed under Illinois's expanded Clean Slate Law.

Cannabis Conviction Expungement

Automatic and petition-based expungement of cannabis offenses under Illinois law.

Juvenile Record Expungement

Clearing juvenile adjudications that are otherwise following clients into adulthood.

Governor's Pardon Applications

Preparing pardon applications for convictions not otherwise eligible for expungement.

IDPA / CANTS Expungement

Clearing indicated findings from DCFS child abuse and neglect databases.

Federal Record Review

Advising on federal record relief options alongside Illinois state expungement.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Our attorneys fight for every category of damages available under Illinois law. Don't settle for less than you deserve.

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Criminal record expunged or sealed
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Improved employment prospects
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Housing application eligibility
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Professional license eligibility
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Restored reputation
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Peace of mind moving forward

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about your case โ€” then call us for a free, personalized consultation.

Expungement physically destroys the record โ€” it's as if the arrest or conviction never existed. Sealing hides the record from public view but does not destroy it โ€” law enforcement and certain government agencies can still see it. Expungement is the stronger remedy but is available for fewer situations. Our attorneys pursue the strongest available remedy for your specific record.
Waiting periods depend on the type of record. Arrests without conviction generally have no waiting period. Misdemeanor convictions typically require waiting 3โ€“5 years after sentence completion. Felony convictions eligible for sealing typically require a 3โ€“7 year wait. Our attorneys assess your specific situation at your free eligibility review.
A properly expunged record should not appear on most background checks. However, some licensing agencies and government employers may still have access to expunged information through law enforcement databases. Our attorneys explain exactly what expungement will and won't accomplish for your specific situation.
DUI convictions generally cannot be expunged in Illinois, and most cannot be sealed either. However, if your DUI case was dismissed, you were acquitted, or you completed supervision that resulted in dismissal, expungement may be available. Our attorneys review your complete case history to identify every available avenue of relief.

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