St. Charles, IL Expungement Attorneys

Knowledgeable Expungement Lawyers Fighting on Behalf of Clients in St. Charles, Illinois

A criminal record can follow you for years, and it could potentially affect you for the rest of your life. Even after you have served your sentence, completed court supervision, or had charges dismissed, details related to criminal charges may still be on your record. Arrests, charges, and convictions can appear on background checks, which may affect your employment opportunities, housing, education, and professional licensing. Fortunately, Illinois law provides options to remove or limit public access to a criminal record through expungement or record sealing.

At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., we have helped thousands of clients across Illinois clear or seal their criminal records. We serve clients in St. Charles, throughout Kane County, and in other neighboring counties, guiding them through the legal process and helping them move forward with a clean slate.

What Is Expungement?

Expungement is the legal process of clearing certain records from your criminal history. When a record of an arrest or conviction is expunged, it is deleted from public view and law enforcement databases. You will be able to legally state that the arrest or charge never occurred.

Expungement is available in limited circumstances. Eligibility typically depends on the type of offense and the outcome of the case. You may be eligible for expungement if:

• You were arrested but never charged
• Your charges were dismissed
• You were found not guilty or acquitted
• You completed court supervision for a qualifying offense
• You completed qualified probation programs, such as first-offender probation for drug charges
• You received a pardon stating that you are eligible for expungement

If you were convicted of a crime, you are generally not eligible for expungement, but record sealing may be available.

What Is Record Sealing?

Record sealing limits who can access your criminal record. While the record is not erased, it becomes inaccessible to most employers, landlords, and the public. Only law enforcement agencies and certain government entities can view sealed records.

Sealing is often the best option for people who have convictions on their record but have abided by the law after completing their sentences. Most misdemeanors and many types of Class 4 or Class 3 felonies are eligible for record sealing. You must have completed your sentence and waited the required waiting period, if applicable, and you cannot have been convicted of a new crime since the original offense.

Certain offenses cannot be sealed, including:

• DUI and reckless driving (except for some offenses committed before the age of 25)
• Domestic violence convictions
• Most sex crimes
• Violent crimes
• Order of protection violations

Benefits of Expungement and Record Sealing

Clearing or sealing your criminal record can have life-changing benefits. These may include:

• Improved Job Opportunities: Many employers conduct background checks, and they may be reluctant to hire someone with a criminal history. After expungement, you can tell employers that you have no criminal offenses on your record.
• Better Housing Options: Landlords may deny applications based on past convictions. Clearing your record can help improve the chances of being approved for a home or apartment rental.
• Access to Professional Licenses: A clean record can help ensure that you will be able to obtain licensing for nursing, real estate, teaching, or other regulated fields.
• Peace of Mind and Privacy: After expungement or sealing, you can move forward without worrying about your past being held against you.

In many cases, expungement or sealing is the key to unlocking a better future—one that reflects who you are today, rather than focusing on the mistakes of the past.

How Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C. Can Help With Expungement or Record Sealing

We are here to provide you with personalized legal guidance and help you navigate the expungement or record sealing process from start to finish. We will:

• Evaluating Your Eligibility: We can review your entire criminal history and determine whether your arrests, charges, or convictions qualify for expungement or sealing.
• Preparing and Filing Petitions: We will draft and file the appropriate petition with the court and ensure that all required documentation is submitted correctly.
• Representing You at Hearings: If a hearing will be needed to review your case and determine whether your request should be granted, we will advocate on your behalf before a judge.
• Responding to Objections or Denials: We can handle appeals or re-filing if necessary, working to overcome barriers to clearing your record.

Contact Our St. Charles Expungement and Record Sealing Lawyers

To begin taking steps to leave your criminal record in the past and move forward with a clean slate, get in touch with Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C.. Our team has decades of experience helping clients address concerns related to criminal charges and convictions, and we can help you receive the fresh start you deserve. Contact our office today by calling 630-786-6062 to arrange a free consultation.