Expungement in Illinois offers a way to clear your criminal record. However, not everyone qualifies, and most offenses are not eligible. If you are hoping to move forward with a clean slate, you need to understand the requirements for expunging charges and convictions under Illinois law. An Aurora, IL expungement attorney can help.
Note that expungement, sealing, and executive clemency are three different ways to address a criminal record in Illinois. Expungement erases the record entirely, as if the arrest never occurred. Sealing restricts public access to the record, but it is still viewable for law enforcement and certain employers, specifically those who use fingerprint-based background checks. Executive clemency is a pardon granted by the governor. If you receive clemency, you may then petition the court to have the crime expunged from your record.