Expunge or Seal Your Record
Home :: DUI :: Expunge
Robert M. Stephenson LLC represents clients throughout Northern Illinois in Expunge and Seal proceedings. In Illinois nothing is automatically removed from your record. Even if a case is dismissed before trial, you must act to clear your record. Further down on this page you will find a list of the information you will need to have for Robert stephenson to advise you about the possibility of expunging or sealing your record. There is also a slideshow outlining the process.
For a list of frequently asked questions, click here.
To expunge or seal your Illinois record, you must comply with Section 5 of the Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5). The Act allows qualifying arrests, supervisions and convictions to be either expunged or sealed. Only those individuals who have never been convicted of a criminal offense or municipal ordinance violation are eligible to expunge records. If you have ever been convicted of a criminal offense or a municipal ordinance violation, your records may still be eligible for sealing, but you cannot expunge any records, regardless of the outcome of the individual case. Only criminal records prosecuted and maintained by the State of Illinois are affected by expunge or seal proceedings. Federal and out-of-state convictions do not fall under the Illinois law.
You may seal certain felony convictions. Some Class 4 Drug Possession cases, Prostitution convictions under 720 ILCS 5/11-14, are two examples. In addition, certain dispositions are not convictions. For example, special felony probations, such as TASC probation or First Offender drug probations are not convictions. Thus, they may be eligible to be expunged or sealed. This is why it is imperative to obtain the information listed below and contact Robert Stephenson for an evaluation.
If your record does not qualify to be either expunged or sealed, you will have to apply for Clemency from the Illinois Prison Review Board.
Expunge or Seal Checklist
You will need to obtain your complete criminal history. This includes the following information:
 The date of your arrest; and
The law enforcement agency or agencies that arrested you; and
The charges that were brought against you, if any; and
The “disposition” of each case and charge. The “disposition” is the final outcome of the case. Types of dispositions include terms such as “nolle prosequi, ” “supervision,” “probation,” “time served.” These are all dispositions and each mean something different; and
The date each case was completed. For example, if you were sentenced
to probation, you must know the date your probation was terminated.
Where to Get your Criminal History
The arresting agency (Police Department);
The Clerk of the Circuit Court where your case was handled;
The Illinois State Police, Bureau of Identification, 260 North Chicago Street Joliet, IL 60432. (815) 740-5160;
The FBI, U.S. Department of Justice, 1000 Custer Hollow Road Clarksburg, WV 26306. (304) 625-3878;
Requests to the FBI must be made in writing and mention specifically that you are entitled to a copy of your arrest records under the Freedom of Information Act. Be certain to include your name, address, date and place of birth, and fingerprints.
Contact as many agencies as is necessary to make certain that your record is complete and accurate. The more times you have been arrested, the more work you will need to do in order to get a complete record.
If you have the necessary information please call or email and Robert Stephenson will be in touch with you shortly.
|
RM Stephenson, LLC
1029 Lake Street
Suite 202
Oak Park, Illinois 60301
p. 708.434.1267
f. 708.406.1527
EMAIL: Robert M. Stephenson
|
