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 the process – and they don’t want to figure out where to file forms, drive to the courthouse, and worry about what happens if the state’s attorney decides to disagree with a petition. (If that happens, you may be entitled to a hearing.) For many people, it’s easier to have an attorney handle the process from start to finish.
Related: Can jobs see a sealed record in Illinois?
However, if you have a little bit of time and you’re willing to fill out your own paperwork, you can use a DIY expungement service, which can save you thousands of dollars in attorney’s fees. A do-it-yourself expungement service (like ours) provides you with detailed instructions for every form in every jurisdiction in Illinois. We also provide you with contact information for the Clerk of Court in every county, which means you can call and find out how and where to file your forms – and we give you access to an experienced expungement lawyer who can answer your questions at any point during the process.
Related: What’s the difference between sealing and expunging a criminal record?
DIY expungement could be the right choice for you. It helps you save money but eliminates all the confusion associated with visiting court websites and trying to follow complicated instructions – we give you the forms, the instructions and everything else you need to file an expungement petition. (Plus, we’re always here to answer your questions, and you can even explore our community message board to see if others have had similar questions.)
Are You Thinking About Expunging Your Own Criminal Record?
If you’re considering expunging your own criminal record, we’re here to help. You can learn more about DIY expungement and sealing here – or you can call us at 847-920-4540.
