Aren’t some record expunged automatically after some time?
No, there is no such thing as automatic expungement. If you have been arrested, or charged without an arrest, even if you received court supervision, or the case was dismissed, the charges were dropped, or you were found not guilty, you will have a record unless you expunge it or seal it.
Read MoreCan I first seal my record, and then when eligible expunge it?
Yes, the waiting requirements for sealing and expunging are different. If both options are available, you may seal your record first and expunge it later.
Read MoreHow long will it take to expunge or seal my record?
After the petitions are filed, the state’s attorney, state’s police, and all other notified parties have 60 days to object. If the judge grants the petition, an order is entered and all state agencies have 60 days to expunge or seal the record. Typical duration for the full process is about 6 months.
Read MoreWhat does it mean to have my Illinois record sealed?
To physically and electronically maintain records, but to make the records unavailable to the public without a court order. When the record is sealed, petitioner’s name is also removed from any official index or public record. However, law enforcement agencies and the courts will still have access to the records.
Read MoreWhat does it mean to have my Illinois record expunged?
To have the record physically destroyed by the agencies and government bodies holding it or to have the hard copies of the record returned to the petitioner. When the record is destroyed, the petitioner’s name is also removed from any official index or public record.
Read More