Want to Clear Your Criminal Record?
A criminal record can hold you back — even if your case was dismissed, you completed supervision, or your conviction is decades old. Background checks are used by employers, landlords, schools, and lenders. If your record is visible, it can cost you opportunities you’ve worked hard to earn. Fortunately, Illinois law provides a powerful too to clean up your record if you qualify: expungements.
Who Qualifies for Expungement in Illinois?
Under Illinois law, you may qualify for expungement if:
You were arrested but never charged
Your case was dismissed or resulted in acquittal
You completed court supervision for certain misdemeanors (after a 2-year waiting period)
You completed qualified probation, such as 410, 710, or TASC
You received a pardon from the governor
Convictions generally cannot be expunged. However, those records may still qualify for sealing.
Who Qualifies for Record Sealing?
You may be eligible to seal many misdemeanor or felony convictions, including:
Retail theft
Drug possession
Theft, forgery, or deceptive practices
Some non-violent Class 3 and 4 felonies
However, you cannot seal:
DUI convictions
Domestic battery convictions
Most sex crimes
Animal cruelty
Orders of protection or violations of no-contact orders
There is generally a 3-year waiting period after completing your sentence (including probation, supervision, or jail).
Benefits of Clearing Your Record by Expungement or Sealing
Expungement or sealing can help you:
Get hired — remove convictions and arrests from background checks
Apply for housing without fear of denial
Restore your reputation in your community
Pursue education and licensing without barriers
Move on from the past with dignity and privacy
If you’re tired of explaining your record to every potential employer, this process is worth pursuing.
217 Law Attorneys
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Courtney Anderson
Courtney practices criminal defense, family law, and personal injury. Never shy of a difficult or high-profile case, she has won numerous awards for her advocacy, including recently being selected as a finalist for top lawyer in Macon County.
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Fallon Conner
Fallon practices criminal defense and family law. As a former prosecutor, she has unique insight into the criminal justice system. She enjoys being in the courtroom and has a great track record of success in bench and jury trials.
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Zach Anderson
Zach focuses on helping injured clients with workers compensation, personal injury, and products liability claims. He has successfully resolved multiple single-party injury cases for over $1 million, and has helped recover millions for users of bad products.
We want to work with you.
Phone:
217-217-0217
Address:
132 S. Water St., Suite 628. Decatur, IL 62523
Email:
info@217law.com
Where We Work:
We help clients throughout the 217 area code with injury claims and general civil litigation. We practice criminal defense and family law in Macon and surrounding counties.
