People are often surprised to learn just how many seemingly law-abiding and productive members of society have a criminal record of some sort. Perhaps a college prank resulted in a trespassing charge, one too many at the bar resulted in a DUI1, or some youthful experimentation with marijuana got you into some trouble. While these and other relatively minor offenses may seem harmless, the reality is that the existence of any criminal record can have a significant impact on your life. It is important to understand that a “criminal record” does not just refer to court documents or convictions, but also includes arrest records, police reports, and other documents that may have been generated if you were ever arrested.

In some cases, these records may be accessible to the public, which may include potential employers, romantic partners, friends, or even your family. As a result, it is important for anyone who is able to have these records expunged2 from their record. Expungement in Illinois involves the destruction or return of all records related to a particular case. There are many ways that an expungement  can improve a person’s situation. Some of the most common are detailed below.

Prevent difficulties in obtaining employment – Many, if not most, employers today ask a potential employee whether they have ever been formally accused of a crime. In addition, any record of an arrest or criminal proceeding against you that is publicly available is certain not to weigh in your favor in terms of being hired.

Prevent difficulties obtaining housing – Similarly to employers, many landlords ask whether an applicant has a criminal hitsory and may require that applicant submit to a background check before renting them an apartment or house.

State-issued licenses – Many state issued licenses are contingent on having a clean criminal record. It is important for people seeking state-issued licenses to understand that certain licensing agencies may require you to disclose the existence of a prior criminal record even if it has been expunged.

Avoiding personal embarrassment – By having your record expunged, you can avoid potentially embarrassing situations with friends, family, coworkers, or other social acquaintances.

Contact a Chicago expungement attorney today to schedule a free consultation

Attorney Nenye Uche is dedicated to helping people clear their criminal records through expungement. To schedule a free consultation with Mr. Uche, call our office today at (888) 251-4438.

1 http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-501
2 http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=350&ChapterID=5

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