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Chicago Post-Conviction Relief Attorney

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.

Contact us at (847) 966-0300 for a FREE, confidential, initial consultation.

Why Post-Conviction Relief?

Chicago Record Sealing Attorneys

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.

What Are Sealed Records?

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. 

The Difference Between Sealed Records and Expunged Records

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. 

Other Forms of Post-Conviction Relief

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. 

Experienced Chicago Record Sealing Attorneys For All Criminal Matters

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. 

Client Reviews

Awards/ Affiliation

For Over 33 Years

Senior Partner Jonathan Minkus has successfully defended individuals charged with every conceivable criminal offense, from traffic misdemeanors to death-penalty eligible homicides.

We urge you to contact us for a FREE, confidential, initial consultation.

See How We Can Help

Change Your Future. Free Initial Consultation.
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Address :

TWIN LAKES OFFICE: P.O. Box 16
Twin Lakes, WI 53181

Contact:

Ph : (262) 724-0080
Email : lawyermink@yahoo.com