Oak Park, IL Expungement Attorney

Record Sealing and Expungements in Maywood, Hillside, DuPage County, Cook County, and Throughout the Area

Many good people make mistakes. Unfortunately, mistakes that involve criminal charges can leave a black mark on your record and limit your future options. For example, a criminal record can adversely impact your ability to obtain:

• Employment
• Housing
• Bank Financing
• Admission to Colleges and Universities
• Firearms

The good news is that if you have certain types of criminal charges on your record, it may be possible to have them expunged or sealed. Expungements are not always easy to obtain, however, and it is best to have a skilled criminal law attorney in your corner to successfully guide you through the process.

For over 30 years, the Law Office of Vincent C. Machroli, P.C. has helped clients with criminal records obtain expungements in DuPage County, Cook County, and all other counties across the greater Chicago metro area. We have extensive knowledge of the expungement process, which types of circumstances qualify, and the best strategy for obtaining a positive resolution. We are compassionate, responsive, detail-oriented, and focused on providing highly-personalized customer service. We take the time to thoroughly examine your case and determine the best path forward to a successful resolution.

Qualifications for Expungement

In Illinois, there are four questions you must answer to help determine if your criminal record can be expunged:

1. Are there any current charges pending against you?

If you have any open cases or charges pending in which a final disposition has not yet been entered by the court, you will need to wait until these proceedings are completed before exploring expungement.

2. Was the final disposition for your criminal charge one of the following?

• Charges Never Filed
• Dismissed Case
• Not Guilty Finding/Acquittal
• No Probable Cause Finding
• Stricken with Leave
• Court Supervision (Completed Successfully)

If your record includes any of the above terms, it may be eligible for expungement.

3. Have you successfully completed "Second Chance" probation?

If you were on Second Chance probation for a criminal offense and have successfully completed it, you technically do not have a conviction for said offense. This means you may qualify to have this record expunged.

4. Are you a U.S. Military veteran who was convicted of a Class 3 or Class 4 Felony that was non-violent, non-sexual, and not gun-related? If yes, were you honorably discharged from the military?

If you answered "yes" to both questions, you may be able to have your criminal record expunged.

In general, if you fit into one of the aforementioned categories or have no prior convictions for criminal offenses, municipal ordinance violations, or major traffic violations, there is a good chance your record can qualify for expungement.

Criminal Record Sealing in Illinois

Expungements are not possible in all cases, and when we cannot completely erase your criminal record, having it sealed is the next best thing. While record sealing does not wipe your criminal record off the books, it can have the same effect by restricting access to only law enforcement, certain government agencies, and re-opening by a court order. This means landlords, school admissions officers, financial institutions and most employers would be unable to view your record and use it as a basis to decide whether or not to approve you.

Having a criminal record can cost you in many ways, and even if you are eligible to have it expunged, this process will not happen on its own. To ensure your record is clean, you must be proactive. At the Law Office of Vincent C. Machroli, P.C., we work with you to explore all options and formulate the best possible strategy to clear your record. For a free initial consultation with our expungement lawyer, contact our office today at 708-449-7404.