Addison, IL Expungement Lawyers
Expungement Attorneys in DuPage, Cook, and All Surrounding Counties
Simply stated, a criminal conviction often makes life very difficult. Any black mark on a permanent record might make it difficult, or even impossible, to find a place to live, find a job, or pursue certain professional careers. Fortunately, Illinois has some of the more liberal expungement laws in the country. Even if you entered a plea to a criminal case, and maybe even if you were convicted, limited or general expungement might be an option.
At Stringini & Garvey, P.C., we treat post-conviction cases with the same professionalism and attention to detail that we show pre-conviction clients. No matter how routine or uncontested it is, your case is handled by a partner-level attorney from start to finish. Our fee structure is easy to understand and contains no hidden charges, and we always promptly respond to your questions. In short, we treat you with the respect that you deserve.
Deferred Prosecution
This is a disposition that is available for a wide range of misdemeanor and felony cases. Although it is hardly ever offered upfront, prosecutors are usually willing to grant it, especially for first-time offenders who committed nonviolent crimes. The sentence is very much like regular probation: in addition to supervision and fines, a defendant often must perform community service or attend counseling sessions. The difference is that, if the term is successfully completed, there is no conviction.
Certificates of Rehabilitation
This limited form of expunction is also available for a wide range of offenses, with the notable exception of Class X and forcible felonies; even repeat offenders are eligible for a certificate, after a waiting period. These documents are:
- Certificate of Relief from Disabilities, which erases the negative effects of a conviction before some professional licensing boards, and
- Certificate of Good Conduct, which largely erases the conviction for employment purposes.
Sealing Records in Illinois
As a rule of thumb, this remedy is available after a defined number of years of good conduct following release from probation or discharge of sentence. As the name implies, the record is sealed from most private organizations and the general public, although it remains in most judicial and law enforcement databases.
Full Expungement
This remedy is available generally if the disposition was something other than a conviction: either the state must dismiss the case, there must be a verdict of not guilty, or the defendant must have received court supervision. All the records, including arrest and jail records, are completely destroyed.
None of these remedies are automatic; in fact, state prosecutors routinely, and sometimes successfully, contest these matters. However, judges commonly grant these petitions if they are in the best interests of both the defendant and society.
Limited or general expungement is available in many cases. For a free consultation with a qualified DuPage County or Cook County attorney, contact Stringini & Garvey, P.C. at 630-834-9595. Convenient payment plans are available upon request. Se habla Español.
