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Ready To Solve Your Problem
When you are faced with a difficult legal matter, you need an attorney who will put you first, no matter how complex your case may be.
Helping Clear Your Criminal Record
Most people think that having a criminal record happens only when someone is convicted of a crime. The reality is that any arrest on criminal charges goes on your permanent record, regardless of an eventual conviction. Arrests from your past could cause problems for you in finding an affordable place to live or landing your next career opportunity.
Certain educational programs may also be off-limits. Fortunately, Illinois offers eligible individuals the chance to clear their criminal records and to get the new beginnings they deserve. At Anderson Attorneys & Advisors, our skilled expungement lawyers actively work to help you build a better future for you and your family.
We have helped clients in a wide variety of expungement cases. In one notable case, we worked with a family to address domestic battery charges stemming from an argument between a mother and daughter. We were able to have the case dismissed at trial and the charge expunged from the daughter’s criminal record.
Record Clearing Counsel Serving DuPage County
The processes used to clear a person’s criminal record are complex and require careful attention to detail. A single mistake or incomplete paperwork could result in lengthy delays and additional expenses. Before you spend substantial time and money in clearing your record, you must first determine your eligibility.
Our lawyers will meet with you, review your case and work with you in determining whether you qualify for expungement or record sealing. We also have offices in Wheaton, Carol Stream, Glendale Heights, West Chicago and Warrenville, providing convenient access to our services throughout the region.
Record Sealing And Expungement
Illinois law allows individuals to clear their criminal records through expungement or record sealing, with eligibility for each process primarily depending on the offense in question and other factors. Some offenses qualify only for sealing, while others can be completely expunged. You can usually expunge arrests that did not lead to a formal conviction, but record sealing is not available for all convictions.
When expungement is approved, the system destroys all official records related to a particular arrest and prosecution. Sealed records are kept away from the general public and most background checks, but certain licensing boards and government entities can still access them.
Successful Expungement Case Highlights
A family reached out to our firm late on a Friday evening after their daughter was arrested for domestic battery following an argument with her mother. Attorney Audriana Anderson appeared in bond court the very next morning and successfully secured the daughter's release without requiring bond. We then worked closely with the family to explain the legal process, review the evidence, and develop a strategy for resolving the case. After preparing the matter for trial and challenging the allegations, we obtained a dismissal of all charges. However, we also advised the family that the arrest would remain on their daughter's record unless additional action was taken. Several months later, they retained our firm to pursue an expungement, which was successfully granted. As a result, both the arrest and the dismissed case were removed from her record, allowing her to move forward without the burden of a criminal history.
A family contacted our firm after detectives arrived at their home to investigate allegations that their high school-aged son had made threats toward his school. Recognizing the seriousness of the potential charges, the family retained us before any formal charges were filed. We immediately contacted law enforcement and the State's Attorney's Office and began advocating for our client during the investigation stage. Through our discussions with prosecutors, we presented evidence that our client had been experiencing ongoing bullying issues at school, which provided important context to the allegations. As a result, the State's Attorney's Office agreed to significantly reduce the matter from a serious felony offense to a Class C misdemeanor. After successfully completing court supervision, our client was able to have the case expunged, protecting his future educational and employment opportunities.
Protecting Your Rights In DuPage County
As a former DuPage County prosecutor, attorney Audriana Anderson knows just how much of an impact an arrest can have on a person’s life, with or without a conviction. She also understands that everyone is capable of making a mistake and that most people deserve a second chance. By expunging and sealing records, you can restore your clean record, and our firm is ready to guide you through the record-clearing process.
If you have questions about expungement, record sealing or new beginnings in Illinois, contact our office today, and we will help you find the answers. Call 630-877-5800 for a confidential consultation. We work with clients in DuPage County and the surrounding areas.