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What Felony Convictions Can Be Sealed in Illinois?

November 27th, 2020|Categories: DIY, DIY Expungement, DIY Sealing, Expungement, Sealing|Tags: , , , , , , , , |

If you’re like many people, you want to seal felony convictions on your criminal record so that most people won’t see them. The good news is that some Class 3 and Class 4 felonies can be sealed – even when you’re doing your own sealing petition through the Illinois court system. Related: DIY expungement: Sign up for exclusive access to forms, instructions and more What Felony Convictions Can Be Sealed in Illinois? If you weren’t convicted of a crime, you can seal your record – that goes for arrests, findings of not guilty and dropped charges. However, if you were [...]

Should You Expunge Your Own Criminal Record?

October 16th, 2020|Categories: DIY, DIY Expungement, DIY Sealing|

  If you're like many people, you know that you don't want your criminal record hanging over your head for the rest of your life... but should you attempt to clear your record yourself? Here's what you need to know. Should You Expunge Your Own Criminal Record? The state of Illinois has made it possible to clear your own criminal record without hiring an attorney to handle the process for you. But that's not the right choice for everyone. Some people prefer to work with an attorney because they don't want to dive into all the paperwork necessary to start [...]

Can Jobs See Sealed Records in Illinois?

October 2nd, 2020|Categories: DIY Sealing, Sealing|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

If you have a criminal record that you're thinking about sealing, you probably want to know if it'll impact your job prospects in the future. So can jobs see sealed records in Illinois? Here's what you need to know about whether prospective employers will be able to see your private business. Can Jobs See Sealed Records in Illinois? In the state of Illinois, some jobs will be able to see your sealed records. Most can't, though. Some of the employers that can see sealed criminal records are those involved in professions where a fingerprint-based background is required. That can include [...]

Why Would a Record Be Sealed?

September 23rd, 2020|Categories: DIY Sealing, Sealing|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

If you're like many people with a criminal history, you know that you may have the option to seal or expunge it. But why would a record be sealed? Here's what you need to know. Why Would a Record Be Sealed? Sealing is a public policy that helps people begin moving forward after being arrested, charged with a crime, or convicted of a crime. It also helps the state keep track of people's past histories, which may be beneficial to the state or to other people living in the state. Sometimes people choose to have a criminal record sealed because [...]

Do I Have to Disclose a Sealed Record?

September 9th, 2020|Categories: DIY Sealing, Sealing|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |

If you have a sealed criminal record, do you have to disclose it to anyone? Here's what you need to know. Do I Have to Disclose a Sealed Record? An employer can't ask you about arrests if you're employing for a job - but they can ask you if you have ever been convicted of a criminal offense. If your whole record has been sealed (or expunged), you are free to say no. However, if you have convictions that you couldn't seal - and as a result, they're still on your record - you still have to tell the employer [...]

Do Sealed Records Show Up on Background Checks?

August 26th, 2020|Categories: DIY Sealing, Sealing|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |

If you're like many people who are considering clearing a criminal record, you want to know whether your cases will ever show up on a background check. Here's what you need to know. Do Sealed Records Show Up on Background Checks? Sealed records may or may not show up on a background check - it depends on who's doing the checking. The general public won't be able to see your criminal record if it's sealed. For example, if someone pays an attorney to conduct a background check on you when your records have been sealed, that person won't be able [...]

Can a Sealed Record Be Used Against You?

August 12th, 2020|Categories: DIY Sealing, Sealing|Tags: , , , |

Can a sealed record be used against you? If you're like many people who have criminal records, you know that you may be eligible for sealing or expungement... but you may not know what can happen with a sealed record or who can view it. Can a Sealed Record Be Used Against You? If your criminal record is sealed, most people won't have access to it. For example, a landlord who's doing a criminal background check won't see that you have arrests or convictions (or whatever it was that you sealed) on your criminal record. Because that information is confidential, [...]

Who Can See a Sealed Record in Illinois?

July 29th, 2020|Categories: DIY Sealing, Sealing|Tags: , , , , , , , |

If you're like many people with a criminal record, you know there are some options available to you to clear it. Sealing is one of those options. But who can see a sealed record in Illinois? Here's what you need to know. Who Can See a Sealed Record in Illinois? Sealed records - unlike expunged records - are kept confidential... for the most part. Thee general public will not normally be able to see any criminal records that you have sealed. That means if someone does an ordinary background check on you, they're unlikely to see that you have a [...]

What is the Difference Between Sealing and Expunging a Criminal Record?

July 15th, 2020|Categories: DIY Expungement, DIY Sealing, Expungement, Sealing|Tags: , , , , |

If you're like many people, you're not too sure about the differences between sealing and expunging a criminal record. In some states, only one of these options exists - and in others, the two mean totally different things than what they mean in Illinois. So what is the difference between sealing and expunging a criminal record in Illinois? Here's what you need to know. What is the Difference Between Sealing and Expunging a Criminal Record in Illinois? In the state of Illinois, expungement and sealing are two different ways to get your criminal records out of public view. When your [...]

What Does it Mean When a Criminal Record is Sealed?

July 3rd, 2020|Categories: DIY Sealing, Sealing|Tags: , , , , |

What does it mean when a criminal record is sealed? For most people, it means a fresh start. Here's what you need to know. What Does it Mean When a Criminal Record is Sealed? When your criminal record is sealed, it's closed off from public view. That means most people won't be able to see it. The sealed items on your record won't come up in criminal background checks (for the most part). How is Sealing Different From Expungement? With criminal record sealing, your record still exists - it's just that most people won't be able to see it. If [...]

Can Cops See Expunged Records?

June 26th, 2020|Categories: DIY, DIY Expungement, DIY Sealing, Expungement, Sealing|Tags: , , , , , , , |

If you’re like most people, you want a fresh start – and for some people, that’s possible through criminal record expungement. But can cops see expunged records? Here’s what you need to know. Can Cops See Expunged Records? Cops can’t see expunged records in Illinois. That’s because expungement means that your records are destroyed or returned to you. There’s nothing for the police to see when your record is expunged. Criminal record sealing is a different story, though. When a judge orders your records sealed, the general public can’t see them. However, cops and others working within the criminal justice [...]

Can I File an Expungement Myself?

June 19th, 2020|Categories: DIY, DIY Expungement, DIY Sealing, Expungement, Sealing|Tags: , , , , , , , |

  If you’re like many people, you want to know if you can file an expungement yourself in Illinois. An expungement clears your criminal record so it’s like nothing ever happened – nothing will show up in a background check, no matter who’s looking. So can you file an expungement yourself? Yes, in most cases, you can. Here’s what you need to know. Can I File an Expungement Myself? In Illinois, you don’t need an attorney to file for expungement. However, before you try to file a petition, you should make sure your record is eligible. (The same is true [...]

Sealing Your Own Criminal Record in Peoria

June 12th, 2020|Categories: DIY, DIY Sealing, Sealing|

If you’re like many people, you want to seal your criminal record – the things in your past should stay there. But hiring an attorney to seal your criminal record in Peoria is expensive, and it might not make sense for your financial situation. The good news: You can seal your own criminal record in Peoria (and in every other city in Illinois) if you qualify. In fact, you can even expunge your own criminal record in Illinois. Here’s what you need to know. What is Criminal Record Sealing? Sealing your record means that most people won’t be able to [...]

How Can I Get My Record Expunged for Free?

June 5th, 2020|Categories: DIY Expungement, Expungement|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |

How can I get my record expunged for free? It’s a common question – and it’s one that we have an answer for. How Can I Get My Record Expunged for Free? In Illinois, some people are eligible for free criminal record expungement. If you want to expunge your record without cost, you have to meet certain criteria – and you have to do the work yourself. If you meet those criteria, you can submit a fee waiver to the court and ask a judge to let you expunge your record for free. Here’s how: Determine your eligibility. Get [...]

How Do You Start an Expungement Process?

May 29th, 2020|Categories: DIY, DIY Expungement, Expungement|Tags: , , |

How do you start an expungement process? It’s a question we hear often – and we can help. Here’s what you need to know. How Do You Start an Expungement Process? There are two ways you can start an expungement process. You can hire an expungement attorney to do all the paperwork (including filling out and filing all your forms) or you can do it yourself. For many people, the easiest way is to hire a lawyer – but it’s also the more expensive way. You can clear your own criminal record in Illinois by following these steps: Figure [...]

FAQ on Clearing Your Own Criminal Record in Illinois

May 25th, 2020|Categories: DIY, DIY Expungement, Expungement|Tags: , , , , , , , , |

When you’re clearing your criminal record through expungement, you have two options: You can do it yourself or you can hire a Chicago expungement attorney. If you choose to do it yourself, which is cheaper than hiring a lawyer to do it for you, you can fill out and file your paperwork yourself. If you’re like most people, that means you’ll have some questions – so check out this DIY expungement FAQ to get the answers you need. Illinois DIY Expungement FAQ Check out these frequently asked questions to see if what you need to know is here. If [...]

Illinois Expungement FAQ

May 22nd, 2020|Categories: DIY Expungement, Expungement|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |

If you have a criminal record, the state of Illinois might let you expunge it – but what is expungement, how does it work, and who’s eligible? Check out this Illinois expungement FAQ to learn more about clearing your criminal record through expungement. Illinois Expungement FAQ Read through the questions listed here in our Illinois expungement FAQ. If you don’t see your question, please call us at 847-920-4540 – we’ll be happy to give you a free consultation and let you know whether expungement might be an option for you. Do You Need a Lawyer for an Expungement? You do [...]

Can You Seal Your Own Criminal Record in Chicago?

May 18th, 2020|Categories: DIY, DIY Sealing, Sealing|Tags: , , , |

If you’re like many people in and around Chicago, you have a criminal record that’s hanging over your head. Maybe it’s prevented you from getting a job, stopped a landlord from renting you a place to live, or even made a lender turn you down for credit. But you’re not the same person you used to be – even though everyone seems to be holding your criminal record against you. We think you deserve a fresh start, and you may be eligible to get one through DIY criminal record sealing. What is DIY Criminal Record Sealing? Do-it-yourself criminal record [...]

Domestic Battery Arrests in Chicago During the Coronavirus Pandemic

April 30th, 2020|Categories: DIY, DIY Expungement, DIY Sealing, Domestic Battery|Tags: , , , , , |

Chicago expungement attorney Matt Fakhoury was interviewed by the legal team at Avvo to discuss domestic battery and the coronavirus pandemic. You can read the entire article here. What's Happening in Illinois With Domestic Battery ? Domestic battery cases are currently increasing all over Chicago, and while working with a criminal defense attorney to defend yourself against these charges is a great first step, it doesn't end there. Here's what you need to know. Can You Expunge Domestic Battery Charges From Your Record? You cannot expunge a domestic battery or aggravated domestic battery conviction from your record. Once it's there, [...]

Should I Seal My Criminal Record in Illinois?

April 28th, 2020|Categories: DIY, DIY Sealing, Sealing|Tags: , , , , |

If you have a criminal record in Illinois, there's a good chance that you're tired of it hanging over your head. The good news: Some people are eligible for criminal record sealing. The even better news: You may be able to seal your own criminal record without hiring an attorney to fill out and file the paperwork for you. Here's what you need to know. Should I Seal My Criminal Record in Illinois? Having a criminal record can prevent you from doing a lot of things. It can hurt your chances of getting a job and providing for your family, [...]

Get Your FREE Expungement E-Book Now

April 14th, 2020|Categories: DIY, DIY Expungement, DIY Sealing, Expungement, Sealing|

If you're like most people who have a criminal record, you're sick and tired of it hanging over your head. But there's good news: You may be able to clear your criminal record and get a fresh start. Get Your FREE Expungement E-Book Now When you're ready to leave your past where it belongs - in the past - download our free Guide to Expungement and Sealing in Illinois e-book. It's packed with useful information you need if you want a fresh start. Here's a peek at what's inside: Information on the entire expungement process, as well as the [...]

How Much Does Expungement Cost?

April 7th, 2020|Categories: DIY, DIY Expungement, DIY Sealing, Expungement, Sealing|Tags: , , , |

If you're like many people, you want to be free from your criminal history - you don't want it following you around when you try to get a job, a place to live, or even borrow money on credit. But how much does expungement cost? Here's what you need to know. How Much Does Expungement Cost? Criminal record expungement costs can vary depending on where you have cases. For example, if you hire a Chicago expungement attorney who has to travel to another county to file your case, you'll likely end up paying more than you would if you only [...]

Do I Need a Lawyer for Expungement?

March 25th, 2020|Categories: DIY Expungement, Expungement|Tags: , , |

If you're like many people, you know that having a criminal record can change your life. Your record can stop you from getting a decent job, it can force landlords into turning you away when you need a place to live, and it can even stop you from getting credit. Unfortunately, many people are stuck with their criminal records... because they haven't asked themselves, "Do I need a lawyer for expungement?" The good news is that you may not need an attorney to expunge your record - but you can still benefit from a lawyer's help. Here's how. Do I [...]

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