Champaign-Urbana Expungement Attorney

Helping Clear Your Criminal Record in Champaign County

A criminal record can significantly impact your life, affecting employment, housing, and education opportunities. However, you might be able to clear your record through the expungement process.

Johnson Law Group, LLC can guide you through the expungement process. Our attorneys have a strong track record of helping clients clear their criminal records.

Call (309) 565-8825 to schedule a free consultation for our criminal expungement services in Champaign-Urbana.

What Is Expungement?

Expungement is a legal process that clears your criminal record. When a record is expunged, it is as if the crime never happened. You can legally deny the arrest and conviction, and you don't have to disclose it to anyone.

Not all criminal records can be expunged, but for those eligible, expungement can significantly improve your life. Our team can review your circumstances and help you determine your eligibility.

Expungement vs. Sealing

Sealing a record is a bit different from expungement. Both processes limit access to your criminal record, but they have different outcomes. Sealing keeps your record confidential, accessible only to certain individuals or agencies. Expungement, on the other hand, destroys your record, requiring no disclosure.

How Does the Expungement Process Work in IL?

To begin clearing your criminal record, we must first determine your eligibility for expungement. If you are not eligible, you may still qualify for sealing. We can guide you on the best options for your circumstances.

Eligibility for expungement requires:

• No pending criminal charges
• No convictions of other crimes within a specific period
• Completion of the sentence for the crime to be expunged

If you meet these criteria, start by obtaining a copy of your criminal record from the Illinois State Police. Doing so requires completing a request form and paying a fee. Once you have your record, you must file the necessary forms with the circuit court in the county where you were arrested or convicted, and you pay a filing fee. Our team can help with this process.

Next, send copies of your forms to relevant agencies, such as the state attorney and the arresting agency, giving them a chance to object. If there are no objections, the court can review your application, and it may grant expungement.

Once ordered, send the expungement to the Illinois State Police. They will then destroy your record and inform other agencies to do the same. The entire process can take several months, but it is worth the wait. Expunging your record allows you to legally deny the arrest and conviction.

Benefits of Expungement

Having a clean criminal record offers several advantages, such as:

• Housing
  Landlords check backgrounds. Expungement can help you secure housing.
• Firearms
  A clean record can ease the process of obtaining a firearm.
• Education
  Colleges may check criminal records. Expungement can increase your chances of acceptance.
• Employment
  Employers frequently conduct background checks. Clearing your record can boost your employment prospects.
• Professional Licenses
  Licensing agencies conduct background checks. Clearing your record can help you obtain the necessary licenses.

What Crimes Can Be Expunged in IL?

Not all crimes are eligible for expungement. Eligible crimes typically include certain minor offenses or arrests that did not result in a conviction.

Crimes that may qualify include:

• Prostitution
• Some felonies
• Public indecency
• Underage drinking
• Disorderly conduct
• Arrests without convictions
• Minor traffic, drug, and theft offenses

Why Choose Johnson Law Group, LLC?

Our team provides skilled guidance throughout the expungement process, helping you make informed decisions every step of the way.

Choose us for:

• Experienced Counsel
  Our attorneys have extensive experience and a strong record in expungement cases.
• Open Communication
  We can keep you informed along the way, and we respond promptly to questions and concerns.
• Aggressive Representation
  We stand up for your rights and strive for the best outcomes.
• Personalized Legal Solutions
  We tailor our services to your needs and goals.

Consultations are free, so contact our Champaign-Urbana expungement team online today.