Skokie Expungement Attorney

If you have been convicted in a criminal case, there are serious consequences that impact many aspects of your life. You may have trouble passing a background check for employment reasons, credit accounts, or renting a home. Professional license holders may lose their credentials, which means you cannot work in your chosen field. There are also severe implications if you are going through the immigration process. Illinois law does allow you to expunge your criminal record, but the statute is complicated when it comes to eligibility and filing.

Post-conviction relief and expungement lawyer Jonathan Minkus understands the challenges you face as a result of a criminal conviction. He has represented many clients in similar situations, with more than 30 years of experience serving Skokie, IL and the entire Chicago region. Mr. Minkus has the knowledge to assist you with qualifying, filing a petition, and other important components of the expungement process in Illinois.

Illinois Rules on Eligibility for Expungement

Under Illinois law, you qualify to expunge your criminal record if you were arrested for a crime AND:

• The case ended with an acquittal or dismissal of the case;
• You were released before formal charges against you were filed;
• You received a full pardon on all charges;
• The conviction went to appeal and was either vacated or reversed;
• You received an Order of Supervision and satisfied all requirements; OR,
• You received an Order of Probation and the terms of your probation.

Note that even if you are not eligible to expunge a criminal conviction, you may still qualify for record sealing in Illinois. While different from expungement, there are certain benefits for sealing a criminal record.

Overview of the Expungement Process

You must file a Request to Expunge and Impound Criminal Records to initiate the expungement process. Your success with expunging a conviction is dependent upon completing this petition accurately, along with all supporting documentation, within the time specified by law. Mr. Minkus will assist you in gathering all information and ensuring all requirements are fulfilled, including details about the arrest and the nature of the charges.

Expungement and Your Criminal Record

If your Request to Expunge and Impound Criminal Records is accepted, your criminal record is erased as if you were never arrested. Because all paperwork is destroyed and your name no longer appears on the database of criminal convictions, you can legally state that you have no convictions when asked by a potential employer. Plus, you will not be required to include the information when filling out an apartment lease. However, you should discuss your circumstances with an immigration lawyer if you have a conviction and are involved in the immigration process.

Discuss Expungement with an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer in Skokie, IL

Attorney Jonathan Minkus has represented many clients with criminal convictions in connection with expungement and other types of post-conviction relief. To discuss eligibility or schedule a free consultation, please call our office at (847) 966-0300 or visit our website.