Legal Defenders, P.C. HomeSEALING FELONY RECORDS IN ILLINOIS
If you have been convicted of a felony case in Illinois, you may be eligible to have your record sealed. Our Illinois law firm has helped thousands of clients get through the criminal justice system. Since 2004, we have helped our clients seal their records in Chicago, Cook County, Lake County, DuPage County, Will County, Kane County, and McHenry County. Due to recent changes in the law, sealing felony records in Illinois is now possible for most crimes. Among the felony cases that we have sealed include voluntary manslaughter, felony theft, drug trafficking and delivery, drug possession, retail theft, battery, criminal trespass, intimidation of a witness, residential burglary, UUW, and other serious offenses. If you are looking for a highly experienced lawyer to help you seal your record, rest assured that you are in good hands. We have been helping people seal their Illinois criminal record since 2004.
Almost all Illinois felony cases are eligible for sealing. Sealing felony records in Illinois is allowed due to a recent change in the law that has significantly changed people’s lives. A court-ordered sealed record cannot be seen by employers, landlords, the general public, nor will it show up on background checks. The Clerk of Court, the State Police, the arresting agency, and the FBI will seal their records forever. Even the most serious cases as voluntary manslaughter, felony theft, retail theft, battery, drug cases, UUW, residential burglary, criminal trespass, and other serious felonies are eligible for sealing. There has never been a better time to seal a criminal record in Illinois. Good people who made a mistake in the past are no longer burdened for the rest of their lives. Our attorneys have decades of experience and know what is required to have your case sealed.
In almost all cases, the waiting period is three years after you complete your sentence.
The Illinois State legislature has determined that certain crimes cannot be sealed because the public's right to know about your record is greater than your right to seal it. Thus, sealing felony records in Illinois does not apply to all crimes. If this is the case, you have the option of requesting a pardon from the Governor. Whether or not a pardon will be granted is solely the decision of the Governor. The following cases do not qualify for sealing:
- DUI
- Reckless Driving if you were over 25
- Domestic Battery
- Most sexual cases
- Animal Cruelty cases
- Battery to an unborn child
- Violation of Order of Protection
- Violation of no Stalking Contact Order
- Minor Traffic Offences
If your case does not qualify for expungement or sealing, keep checking every so often because the law is evolving. Most felonies today are eligible for sealing; that was not the case just a few years ago.
You can file a Petition for Clemency with the Illinois Prisoner Review Board and request a Pardon from the Governor. He is the only person in the State of Illinois that can grant a pardon - he can choose to grant or deny your petition. Soon after your case has been filed, you appear before the Illinois Prisoners Review Board in Chicago or Springfield and present your case. You must show that you are a good person and deserve to be forgiven for your crime. You have the right to bring witnesses to testify as to your good character. The Board will make a recommendation to the Governor after considering the testimony at the hearing. It will also review all your supporting documents - school transcripts, letters of recommendation, employment history, criminal history, awards, certificates, and other documents that were included in your Clemency Petition.
We know how important it is for you to get your criminal record hidden or destroyed. Sealing felony records in Illinois is not automatic. Having the help of an experienced lawyer who knows the law for felony sealing is what you need to move beyond your past. Since 2004, our law firm has tirelessly worked to sealing felony records in Illinois.
Do you want your criminal record to be hidden from the public, employers, landlords, and licensing agencies? Sealing your criminal history is your path to freedom. You will no longer fear losing your job, getting a job, denied a student loan, renting an apartment, or getting licensed in your profession. Call us at 312- 229-5500 for a free consultation with a felony sealing lawyer for cases in Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County, Lake County, Will County, Kane County, and McHenry County.
