Rolling Meadows Criminal Record Sealing Attorney

Palatine Criminal Defense Lawyer for Record Sealing and Expungement

If you have ever been arrested, the arrest is part of your criminal record. Regardless of whether or not you were convicted, an arrest will remain on your record until you take proactive steps to have it removed. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you might be eligible to have your record expunged. If you do not qualify for expungement, however, you could still pursue the sealing of your criminal record. An experienced expungement and criminal record sealing lawyer from the Law Offices of Donald J. Cosley can help you determine the best strategy for your situation.

Attorney Donald J. Cosley is a criminal defense lawyer with more than 25 years of experience. He has successfully helped many people in Northern Illinois get a fresh start through expungement and record sealing. With his knowledge of the law, he and his team are equipped to assist you with your case.

Record Sealing vs. Expungement in Rolling Meadows

Expunging a record and record sealing are two distinct processes that are intended to serve a similar purpose. Expungement is always preferred over record sealing, because expunging a record means that the record is completely gone. The law in Illinois actually requires law enforcement agencies and similar entities to destroy physical records and delete electronic records of an arrest that has been expunged. Under Illinois law, however, an arrest record can only be expunged if the arrest did not result in a conviction or an adjudication of guilty, including a guilty plea.

Record sealing, by comparison, means that the record in question is removed from most databases and cannot be seen by most employers, landlords, and other entities during a background check. The record will still exist with the courts and law enforcement agencies, but select few employers are able to see it, including government agencies and schools.

Limitations on Record Sealing

If you were convicted of a crime, you may qualify to have the record of that arrest and conviction sealed. You might, however, be required to wait for a specified period of time depending on the disposition of your case. There are also some criminal offenses that are not eligible to be sealed under Illinois law. Record sealing is not available for convictions related to:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• Reckless driving;
• Domestic battery;
• Violating an order of protection or a no-contact order;
• Sex crimes, including prostitution, public indecency, and any offense that requires registration as a sex offender;
• Animal offenses, including dog fighting and animal abuse; and
• Felonies after the previous sealing of felony convictions.

The process of getting your record sealed can be confusing and time-consuming. That is why you need a trusted advocate at your side. When you choose the Law Offices of Donald J. Cosley to help with your expungement or record sealing case, you get a skilled attorney who is dedicated to protecting your rights and your future. The stakes are too high for you to try to get your record cleared on your own. Let us help.

Contact a Barrington Criminal Defense Attorney for Clearing Your Record

For more information about getting your criminal record sealed or expunged, contact our office. Call 847-253-3100 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and case review today. Our firm serves clients in Rolling Meadows, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Schaumburg, Cook County, and the rest of Northern Illinois.