Just because you were convicted of a crime doesn’t mean that your conviction must forever haunt employment background checks, stop you from becoming a U.S. citizen or remain a deportation threat.
There is no reason to let a youthful mistake, misunderstanding, past criminal record—or especially a criminal identity theft—be a barrier to future opportunities. Many options of post-conviction relief are available to help you, even after you have served time, finished probation, or paid your fines. Relief is critical for clearing the records of victims of criminal identity theft.
Through post-conviction proceedings, the Law Offices of Jonathan Minkus can attempt to lessen the negative consequences of having been convicted of a crime. Your background may be used against you in rental matters, employment and education opportunities, by Immigration and Naturalization—and even socially.
If you have a criminal conviction on your record, you might find it difficult to move forward with your life. Prospective employers can find the public record of your case, and you might also have difficulty finding housing or getting credit. Sealing a criminal record can help protect your case records from the public and make it easier to move forward with your life. Learn more about this important tool – and other legal options for clearing your record from a Chicago record sealing attorney.
A criminal record that has been sealed by the court is no longer considered part of the public record. This means that it cannot be found by anyone conducting regular background checks. This also means that it is easier for the defendant to answer questions on a housing application or in a job interview in the future. Having your record sealed is an important step forward, and it can help you rebuild your life after a criminal conviction. However, it is important to understand that a sealed record still exists.
Sealed records still exist, and they can still be accessed in limited circumstances. Though they are not available to the public, they can be unsealed with a court order if the judge agrees there is good cause to do so. This is often used by prosecutors. In order to investigate a defendant’s prior criminal history, the prosecutor may ask the court to unseal the record and allow the state to review all documentation of the sealed incident. This is different from an expunged criminal record. Expungement removes the record entirely. From a legal standpoint, the conviction never existed, so there is no record for a prosecutor to review at all.
In addition to sealing or expunging a record, there are many other forms of “post-conviction relief” (PCR). These are legal tools that a defendant can use to rebuild their life after a criminal conviction. For example, a person convicted of a felony automatically loses their civil rights. These rights can, however, be restored after a period of time if the defendant remains eligible to do so. This means that the person can now vote, serve on a jury, and legally own a firearm again. (Gun rights cannot be restored if the offense was considered domestic violence under federal law.)
This is just one example of PCR. If you have trouble finding employment, securing housing, or moving forward in other areas of your life after a criminal conviction, speak with a Chicago criminal defense attorney about the legal options that are available to you.
Sealing a criminal record is an important tool that has helped many defendants move forward after a criminal conviction. There are also many other legal options to consider for post-conviction relief. Contact us to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Chicago criminal defense lawyer.
The bottom line is if you want a hard-working, knowledgeable, empathetic, and supportive lawyer then look no further than Law Offices of Jonathan Minkus
Jonathan was the only hope to my family at a time when our options appeared limited and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed next on impossible. Not only he was able to defend us from an unjust accusation, his calm and empathetic demeanor offered emotional succor to myself and those I care about most. My children and I are eternally grateful for his service...
After my first lawyer mislead me and did not look out for my best interest, I accepted a plea that was not in my favor. When everyone else told me they couldn’t, Jonathan re-opened my case and got me the best result possible. Will be forever grateful for their hard work.
I contacted Mr.Minkus hoping to receive help with a case from 2016. To me this case felt like the end of the world, since it meant I could not travel back to America ever again. However, Mr.Minkus helped me achieve the impossible. I am beyond thrilled that I got in touch with him and received the help I needed to sort out my problems. I...
Does a great job.
Couldn't ask for a better criminal defense lawyer. Mr. Minkus was able to reopen an my old case in which I was advised to except a plea not in my favor and was able to remove it from my record in a very timely manner. Can't thank him enough for what he has done for me. Also helped that I didn't have to show up...
Best attorney around helped me get my felony vacated and was easy to work with.
Jonathan worked hard and successfully provided relief in a complicated case. He is professional, but he is also passionate about helping people who are fighting for a second chance. If you want an attorney who can get you results, look no further, for Jonathan Minkus is the best.
Jonathan was great! He successfully reopened an old felony conviction of my husband from 2003! It was vacated and no longer a cloud over our future. Thank you so much Jonathan.
I hired Mr. Jonathan Minkus for a criminal drug conviction which I needed to be removed from my record that I had pled guilty to over seven years ago. Without going into too much detail about the difficulty of my case, I would like to emphasize how difficult it is to convince a Judge 7 years after pleading guilty to drop a charge. Well, Jonathan...
Jonathan was great! He successfully reopened an old felony conviction of my husband from 2003! It was vacated and no longer a cloud over our future. Thank you so much, Jonathan.
I hired Minkus to help me with some serious legal problems, and he was my last hope. Other lawyers told me they could not help me, but he did. Because of him, I no longer have any criminal record. he saved me. I highly support this man.
The best attorney around helped me get my felony vacated and was easy to work with.
I hired Mr. Minkus to represent me for a post-conviction petition to clear an old criminal conviction of mine. I spoke to many lawyers who told me it was not possible and Mr. Minkus told me that it would be difficult. Still, he was able to completely clear my record. He always returned my calls and his office was very easy to deal with. I...
I came to Mr. Minkus with little hope for the matter I had with a drug conviction that happened when I was 18. I’m now 29, so the case was a long time ago. He listened to my story and which in my mind I found impossible to get rid of, but he restored my hope and helped me till the end with the help...
My immigration attorney suggested I call Mr. Minkus to help me get some criminal cases taken off of my record. When I went to see him I was hesitant at first because the other lawyers I had only got me convicted of cases. I trusted him and he did not let me down. he got each of my cases totally off of my record. highly...
I highly recommended this lawyer! Mr. Minkus help me! I had a very difficult case. He gave me hope!! IF YOU LOOKING FOR A CRIMINAL LAWER HE IS THE ONE!! THANK YOU, MR.MINKUS!
He is one of the attorneys that really helped me. I dont know what I would do if not him. My case got vacated really quick. If you are looking for a lawyer with experience and that really cares about people you should hire Jonathan. Also his secretary Carol is a sweetheart. She will explain to you everything you need.
I was referred to attorney Jonathan Minkus by my immigration attorney for a very old conviction from 2003. Mr. Minkus was able to get my conviction vacated very quickly. He was very upfront with the process as well as with any of the fees associated. He is very well connected, and I highly recommended his services. Thanks again Mr. Minkus.
This goes back to 2003. Mr. Minkus got my Driver's License back for me after it was revoked. Very quickly, too, considering the trouble I got myself into & the circumstances. Advised me every step of the way. Followed his advice to the *T* and all went well.
5 Stars!
Today was a great day for us. Only because of the hard work and professionalism that Mr. Minkus did to make this day happen. After a long year of my husband's CDL license being suspended. It was officially reinstated on the day that it was expected. We feel like things are going to finally change for the better because of it. Thank you again, Jonathan!
5 Stars!
Jonathan Minkus is a great lawyer, I highly recommend him to anyone that has any serious issues. Jonathan and his staff is very friendly and professional. I couldn’t be more satisfied with their help and service. Thank you!
I am forever grateful for Jonathan Minkus and his assistance with my clemency petition. I found myself in an exceptionally troubling situation in which my legal status in the US was in jeopardy due to my criminal record. Per the advice of my immigration attorney, I engaged Mr. Minkus’s services in the hopes that he might be able to assist with a clemency petition. Mr....
My wife and I have tried 3 times for her green card and was rejected three times because of some trouble she was accused of before she spoke English. I asked another Lawyer is there anything we can do and she referred us to Jonathan Minkus. We meet with Jonathan and said he might be able to help us but it would be difficult. Jonathan...
Jonathan helped me to vacate two of charges against me, and both of them are successfully vacated. I had a very good experience working with Jonathan and he is a very kind person and very considerate. I would like to highly recommend someone that has same situation as me to go get help form Jonathan.
For 6 years my wife and I tried to receive our Green Card. After being declined 3 times, I asked our immigration lawyer is there anyway to correct some legal issues my wife fell into before she learned to speak English. We were referred to Jonathan and he has done miracles in clearing her name so we finally have a chance at receiving our Green...
Jonathan is not only a brilliant attorney but he is a genuinely good human being. A petty misdemeanor mistake was holding back our immigration process. We came to him seeking options and hope. Upon meeting Jonathan during our initial consultation, his overwhelming knowledge, positivity and kindness were on full display and we immediately felt hope again. I know in my heart Jonathan deeply cares for...
I highly recommend his services.
Jonathan was the only one willing to help my husband and me during a tough time. My husband was facing deportation and had no chance to beat his case unless Jonathan was able to vacate a previous conviction. Jonathan was persistent and genuinely advocated for my husband and family. Jonathan was able to vacate the 12-year-old conviction with DuPage County, giving us a fighting chance...
I hired Mr. Jonathan Minkus for a criminal drug conviction which I needed removed off of my record that I had pled guilty to over 7 years ago. Without going into too much detail about the difficulty of my case, I would just like to emphasize how difficult it is to convince a Judge 7 years after pleading guilty to drop a charge. Well, Jonathan...
I was wrongfully advised by an immigration lawyer to expunge my criminal record that consisted of a drug related charge in order to apply for residency. My wife and I quickly found out this was not true and were referred by two different lawyers (who did not know one another) to contact Mr. Minkus. We were without hope and filled with stress.
I almost never write reviews and when Mr. Minkus just finished representing my brother and I looked for him online I felt like I had to write this. Yes, he is not the cheapest lawyer around but he did exactly what he said he would do. My brother was being deported and we were sent to Mr. Minkus to try and fix his criminal record.
I hired Mr. Minkus a month ago after a convoluted incident that left me with criminal trespass and criminal damage to property, possibly pending a burglary charge. The confessions I had written and the police notes that were taken while I was in custody painted a very bad portrait of me and the system likely would have given me a severe sentence if not for
My experience with mr. Minkus was outstanding. Mr.Minkus really help me with difficult criminal case for Resisting Arrest and extremely bad traffic ticket for agrivated speeding . I would recommend this lawyer to anyone who are in deep trouble. I would love to say again THANK YOU mr Minkus for Excellent work on my case.
I had a conviction in my record that affect my ability to get my citizenship. Mr Johnatan came highly recommend from my immigration attorney and he was right. Mr Minkus went out of his way to get my conviction changed to the level that won't affect me anymore. I highly recommend his services.
Senior Partner Jonathan Minkus has successfully defended individuals charged with every conceivable criminal offense, from traffic misdemeanors to death-penalty eligible homicides.
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