EXPUNGEMENTS AND SEALING
- Let us Help You Erase the Past -
An arrest can impact the rest of your life whether or not you are convicted of a crime. When an employer, landlord or other individual checks your criminal record, they will know that you were arrested and could use this against you. However, the law in Illinois allows for people to move forward past these mistakes. We understand that people can move past their mistakes and we will help you do so. Call Wachnik Law LLC today at 847-892-5060 to discuss your expungement and sealing options.
EXPUNGEMENT VERSUS SEALING
Many people wonder what the difference is between expunging a criminal record and sealing a criminal record. Record expungement means that your criminal record is completely erased and is no longer available to the public; the records are destroyed. Not all offenses and dispositions qualify for expungement.
You may get your record expunged if the state dismissed the charges against you, you were found not guilty of the charges or if you received court supervision and successfully completed that sentence for a variety of criminal offenses.
If someone is not eligible to have their record expunged, they may still qualify to have their record sealed. Sealing will make your record inaccessible to most of the general public; but law enforcement and certain governmental agencies will still have access to your record. Many felony and misdemeanor convictions can be sealed, but a person must wait a certain amount of time after completing their sentence before they are able to do so.
Once it is determined whether you are eligible for sealing or expungement, we will prepare the appropriate petition with the court. Once the petition is filed with the court, the police, state’s attorney or other state agencies have 60 days to object.
In the event that there is an objection, you may have the right to a hearing where you could explain your situation. If your petition is approved, the judge will enter an order to that effect. At that point, the agencies which have your records have 60 days to either seal or expunge them. This process can be long, frustrating and difficult.
CALL US TODAY
Don’t let your past mistakes hold you back, call attorney Eryk Wachnik today. An arrest or conviction on your record can irreparably harm your career, family and reputation. Attorney Eryk Wachnik is a former Cook County Prosecutor who has handled hundreds of trials in court and works closely with you conducting an in-depth analysis of your case. Eryk Wachnik has a solid record of achieving successful results and will use creative strategies to get you the best possible result in your case. Call Wachnik Law LLC today at 847-892-5060.
AREAS WE SERVE
Wachnik Law LLC handles criminal, injury, traffic and DUI cases originating in Cook County; DuPage County; Lake County; Will County; Barrington; Barrington Hills; Bartlett; Bensenville; Buffalo Grove; Chicago; Des Plaines; Dundee; Elgin; Elmwood Park; Elk Grove Village; Evanston; Franklin Park; Glencoe; Glenview; Golf; Hanover Park; Harwood Heights; Hoffman Estates; Inverness; Kenilworth; Lincolnwood; Maywood; Melrose Park, Morton Grove; Mount Prospect; Norridge; Niles; Northbrook; Northfield; Park Ridge; Palatine; Prospect Heights; Rolling Meadows; Roselle; Rosemont; Schaumburg; Schiller Park; South Barrington; Streamwood; Skokie; Wilmette; Winnetka; and Wheeling.