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Chicago Expungement & Record Sealing Attorneys

Your Past Doesn't Have to Define Your Future

A criminal record affects jobs, housing, loans, and opportunities. Illinois law allows many records to be expunged or sealed. Find out if you qualify.

Free ConsultationsAvailable 24/7Former Prosecutor

Understanding Expungement & Record Sealing

A criminal record can follow you forever—affecting employment, housing, professional licenses, and more. But Illinois has expanded expungement and sealing options significantly. Many arrests and even some convictions can now be cleared from your record. Our team evaluates your complete criminal history and pursues every available remedy.

Expungement & Record Sealing Charges We Handle

Arrest Records

misdemeanor

Arrests that didn't result in conviction

Dismissed Cases

varies

Charges that were dropped or dismissed

Acquittals

varies

Cases where you were found not guilty

Supervision

misdemeanor

Completed supervision sentences

Certain Convictions

varies

Some misdemeanor and felony convictions after waiting period

Cannabis Offenses

varies

Many cannabis convictions now eligible for expungement

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Don't wait. The sooner you call, the more options we have.

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Illinois Expungement & Record Sealing Penalties

These are the potential consequences you face. We fight to reduce or eliminate them.

Expungement

Jail/Prison:N/A - Record destruction
Fines:Filing fees vary by county
Records physically destroyed
Can legally deny arrest occurred
Background checks clear

Sealing

Jail/Prison:N/A - Record hidden from public
Fines:Filing fees vary by county
Hidden from most employers
Law enforcement still has access
Can be unsealed by court order

Certificate of Relief

Jail/Prison:N/A
Fines:Application fee
Removes some collateral consequences
Helps with licensing
Not expungement but helpful

Common Defense Strategies

Every case has potential defenses. Here's how we challenge expungement & record sealing charges.

Eligibility Analysis

We review your complete record to identify everything eligible for relief.

Waiting Period Strategy

Some records become eligible after waiting periods. We track your dates.

Objection Response

If the State objects, we present evidence of rehabilitation.

Multiple Jurisdiction

We file in all counties where you have eligible records.

Conviction Challenges

Sometimes convictions can be vacated, making expungement possible.

Executive Clemency

For records not otherwise eligible, we pursue pardons and clemency.

These are just starting points. Your specific case may have unique defense opportunities.

Discuss Your Defense Options
Video Guide

Understanding Expungement & Record Sealing in Illinois

Watch Attorney Castellano explain expungement & record sealing charges, potential penalties, and how we build winning defense strategies.

  • What prosecutors must prove
  • Common weaknesses in these cases
  • What to expect in your case
Watch More Videos
HeyGen AI Video3:45

Illinois Law: Key Statutes

20 ILCS 2630/5.2

Expungement - destruction of arrest records and court files.

730 ILCS 5/5-5.5

Sealing - hiding conviction records from public view.

20 ILCS 2630/5.2(a)

Cannabis expungement - automatic and petition-based relief.

This is general information only. Consult with an attorney about how these laws apply to your specific case.

Expungement & Record Sealing Case Results

Real results for clients facing similar charges. Every case is different, but these outcomes show what's possible.

EXPUNGED

Multiple Arrests (No Convictions)

All 5 arrests cleared from record

EXPUNGED

Felony Cannabis Conviction

Record cleared under new Illinois law

SEALED

Theft Conviction

Client now passes background checks

Frequently Asked Questions: Expungement & Record Sealing

What's the difference between expungement and sealing?
Expungement physically destroys records—they no longer exist. Sealing hides records from the public but law enforcement can still see them. Expungement is preferable, but sealing is still valuable for employment and housing.
Can felonies be expunged in Illinois?
Most felony convictions cannot be expunged, but many can now be sealed after a waiting period. Cannabis felonies under 30 grams are eligible for expungement. Certain felonies are never eligible for sealing.
How long does expungement take?
The process typically takes 3-6 months from filing to completion. It involves filing a petition, waiting for the State's response, potentially a hearing, and then processing the order through all agencies.
Will expunged records show on background checks?
Properly expunged records should not appear on background checks. However, some private databases may retain old information. We provide documentation you can use to challenge inaccurate reports.
Do I qualify for cannabis expungement?
Illinois has automatic expungement for many cannabis offenses and petition-based relief for others. If you have cannabis convictions on your record, contact us for a free eligibility evaluation.

Facing Expungement & Record Sealing Charges?

Don't wait. Every day matters in building your defense. Get your free case evaluation now.