Expungements, Sealing & Pardons in Decatur

Can I Clean My Past Arrests and Convictions?

A criminal conviction may seem permanent, but that doesn't mean it will always stay on your record. There are some legal methods that allow for eligible individuals to have their record expunged or sealed. Other options include receiving pardon or executive clemency.

Your record may be completely pardoned or expunged, meaning you will not have to reveal that you were previous charged with a crime to potential employers, landlords, or other individuals. Not only that, but you can have peace of mind knowing that your record has been wiped clean or sealed away.

Do not wait to speak with an experienced Decatur expungements attorney from Johnson Law Group today to see what option works for your case.

Executive Clemency & Pardons

You may be able to petition the governor for executive clemency if you have been convicted of a felony. If the governor chooses to authorize expungement of your crime, it will be pardoned. While you may feel it is best to act fast, waiting several years after a conviction can help make your petition more successful. This is because you will have a chance to build up moral standing and present yourself as a reformed individual who has taken responsibility for their actions.

If you would like to learn if you are eligible for a pardon, our Decatur expungements lawyers are here to help. We can carefully review your case and help you build the strongest petition for pardon or clemency.

Expungements & Sealing

The process of having old arrests or convictions erased from both public and private records is known as expungement. With a successful expungement, you will not have to reveal any criminal record when seeking employment, education, or housing. Supervisions and some probations can also be expunged from your record.

However, expungement does have some restrictions. You will still need to show an arrest record to certain employment opportunities, such as government jobs.

The following convictions cannot be expunged in Illinois:

• Misdemeanor or felony offenses
• Municipal ordinance violations
• Class A or B traffic offenses

To apply for an expungement you must petition the court to have your records removed from public access. The judge will then decide to have the record either expunged or sealed. If your record is sealed, only law enforcement officers may have access to it. An expungement, however, your record will only be available on court order under strict protection.

Our Decatur IL Expungement Lawyers Can Provide the Advice You Need!

Don't let an arrest follow you the rest of your life. Decatur residents can call our office or fill out a case evaluation form online.

Call Johnson Law Group today and let our team of former prosecutors and Decatur, IL expungement attorneys walk you through the process of clearing your record so you can move on with your life.