Record Expungement or Sealing

Old criminal records impose a terrible burden on individuals who have otherwise turned their lives around.


Many people who live productive and peaceful lives have a felony or misdemeanor record.


There are laws and administrative rules that limit job opportunities for people with prior convictions.


Restrictions on employment based upon prior convictions cost individuals in lost wages and opportunities.


Criminal records also severely impact an individual’s ability to obtain affordable housing.


Those facing serious limitations from criminal records deserve to be represented by a top  attorney that has extensive knowledge in record expungement.


At Bulldog Legal Services, we  provide aggressive, knowledgeable, quality representation.


Request a free initial consultation to explore your options.

Request a Free Consultation Call or Text (815) 968-2855

The State of Illinois offers two options to clearing your record, they are expungement and sealing.

One of these options may be available to you.


Expungement is a process through which entries on your criminal and arrest record are removed.



Sealing a record does not remove the entries, but rather prevents the public from being able to view these things.


Only individuals or agencies connected to law enforcement or with special permission will be able to view items on a sealed record.


When a criminal record is sealed or expunged, these records are not visible in a standard criminal background check. Employers are not permitted to ask job applicants if they have had records expunged or sealed.


Criminal records are usually only able to be expunged if:

  • Arrests for misdemeanors or felonies that did not result in a conviction.
  • Arrests for minor traffic violations that did not result in any charge.
  • Convictions that were reversed or vacated.
  • Charges that resulted in court supervision, only after a certain period has passed since you successfully completed supervision (2 years for most charges and 5 for some).
  • Sentences resulting in qualified probation if five years have passed since the successful completion of probation.
  • Other factors affect whether items on your record can be expunged, such as other felony convictions.


The following types of records may be able to be sealed:

  • Convictions for most misdemeanor and felony offenses.

(Some exceptions include convictions that require you to register on a state database such as the Arsonist or Violent Offender Against Youth registries.)

  • Some charges may be sealed prior to being expunged, such as charges resulting in qualified probation, which may be eligible for sealing after 3 years and expungement after 5 years.
  • Minor traffic offenses cannot be expunged or sealed unless you were arrested and released without being charged. Civil cases, orders of protection, and other non-criminal matters are not eligible for expungement or sealing.


If you are interested in pursuing expungement or sealing for your criminal and arrest record, it is important to have an attorney on your side to assist with the process. Call Bulldog Legal Services to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your options.

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