Peoria Expungement Lawyer

Here at Giraudo Law, Inc., we recognize the profound impact a past conviction can have on every aspect of your life, casting a shadow that looms over your aspirations, opportunities, and dreams. That said, we are dedicated to meticulously exploring every avenue to wipe the slate clean and allow you to move on with your life. If you’re wondering about getting your record cleared, contact a dedicated Peoria expungement lawyer from our firm today so we can get started working on your case.

Expungement Lawyer | Here to Protect Your Future

Having your criminal record expunged or sealed can give you a new lease on life, opening up opportunities that were previously closed. A skilled Peoria County criminal defense lawyer from our legal team would be honored to take you through the expungement process and on your way to a bright, prosperous future.

Crimes Eligible for Expungement in Illinois

In general, you can expunge your record if any of the following are true:

• You were arrested but not charged with a crime
• You were charged with a crime but found not guilty or the charges were dismissed
• You were convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony that is eligible for expungement
• You completed a sentence of supervision, conditional discharge, or probation for an eligible offense
• You waited the required amount of time after completing your sentence

Some of the offenses that are eligible for expungement in Illinois include:

• Minor traffic offenses
• Disorderly conduct
• Retail theft
• Possession of cannabis or drug paraphernalia
• Domestic battery
• Prostitution
• Criminal trespass
• Forgery

What Crimes Are Ineligible for Expungement in Illinois?

Unfortunately, not every crime is eligible for expungement. Some of the offenses that are ineligible for expungement in Illinois are as follows:

• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Reckless driving
• Sexual offenses against minors
• Domestic violence offenses that resulted in an order of protection
• Animal cruelty
• Murder
• Kidnapping
• Arson
• Robbery
• Aggravated battery

If you have been convicted of any of these crimes, you cannot expunge your record in Illinois. However, you may be able to seek a pardon from the governor or a certificate of eligibility for sealing from the Prisoner Review Board. These options are more difficult and rare, but they may be possible with the help of a skilled expungement lawyer in your corner.

How to Expunge Your Record in Illinois

The process of expunging your record in Illinois involves several steps, such as:

• Obtaining your criminal history report from the Illinois State Police
• Filing a petition for expungement with the circuit court in the county where your arrest or conviction occurred
• Serving a copy of your petition to the state’s attorney, the arresting agency, and the Illinois State Police
• Attending a hearing before a judge who will decide whether to grant or deny your petition
• Paying any fees or costs associated with your expungement

The process can take several months or even years, depending on the complexity of your case and the backlog of the court. That’s why it’s crucial to have an Illinois expungement lawyer on your side who can handle all the paperwork, communicate with the authorities, present evidence/arguments in your favor, and expedite the process as much as possible.

Having Your Record Sealed

While expungement means that your record is completely erased and destroyed, as if it never happened, sealing means that your record is hidden from most people, but not erased. This applies to some misdemeanor and felony convictions, as well as arrests and charges that were dismissed or resulted in acquittal. Sealing prevents most employers, landlords, and other members of the public from seeing your record, but it does not affect law enforcement agencies, courts, or certain employers that require background checks. Importantly, not all crimes are eligible for sealing. For example, if you’ve been convicted of domestic violence or another crime of violence, driving while under the influence, a sex offense, or certain other crimes, you will most likely not qualify for expungement or having your record sealed.

Contact an Expungement Lawyer Today

Here at Giraudo Law, Inc., our goal is to liberate you from the chains of your past, empowering you to embark on a transformative journey toward a brighter future. If you would like to speak with a seasoned expungement lawyer regarding the prospect of clearing your record, simply contact us for a free consultation today. We are here to be your number-one advocate, every step of the way.