Expungements, Sealing & Pardons in Peoria

Don’t Let an Arrest Hold You Back.

If you have been arrested, your criminal record is available for the public to see. Even if you were not convicted of a crime or given simple supervision, you will still have a record. This can inhibit you from finding a job or nice housing, or pursuing education opportunities. It can also result in deportation for immigrants. However, there are ways of keeping this information from hurting your chances of having the future you want.

The Expungement Process

You can have your record expunged if you have never been sentenced to probation, jail time, or fines. If your record is expunged, all traces of criminal history are eliminated. They will only be available to law enforcement with a specific court order.

Eligible dispositions include:

• Acquittal
• Nolle Pros
• Dismissal
• Successfully completed supervision
• Special drug probations

While you cannot have a criminal conviction expunged, you may be able to have it sealed or pardoned.

Understanding Record Sealing

Once convicted, you cannot have your record expunged. Sealing your record, however, will place your record out of reach from the public unless they obtain a special court order to see it. Otherwise, only law enforcement agencies may view it. Potential employers may not access your records once sealed.

Convictions that may be sealed are:

• Misdemeanor acquittals and dismissals,
• Misdemeanor convictions and supervisions
• Felony acquittals.

Dismissals or convictions for any type of Class Four felony can also be sealed. These may include the following:

• Prostitution
• Possession of cannabis
• Possession of a controlled substance
• Possession of a firearm

Pardon or Executive Clemency

Your option for crimes that cannot be expunged or sealed is to petition the governor for a pardon. In order to do this you must submit a Petition for Clemency with the Prisoner Review Board which should include relevant information about your case along with reasons why the governor should grant you a pardon. Pardons may be absolute, partial, commuted, or reprieved by the governor. Even if you have received a felony probation sentence and have not been to prison, you may still be eligible to receive pardon.

Let Our Peoria Expungement Lawyers Help You.

The process of removing your criminal record is a complex and confusing. This is why you need a seasoned legal team to give you advice and represent your interests.

Get in touch with Johnson Law Group today and we can begin helping you file to clear your record and move forward with your life. Discuss your case with our Peoria expungement attorneys to learn more.