Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Living with a criminal record can be an ongoing struggle, affecting nearly every aspect of your life, from job prospects to housing opportunities. Fortunately, Illinois law provides a way to mitigate these challenges through the sealing of criminal records under 20 ILCS 2630/5.2. As a Chicago criminal defense attorney with extensive experience, I have helped many clients clear their records and reclaim their futures. This article will delve into the intricacies of the statute, the impact of a criminal record, and the process for sealing records in Illinois.
The Statutory Framework and Legal Provisions
The statutory framework for sealing criminal records in Illinois is set forth in 20 ILCS 2630/5.2. This statute allows individuals to petition the court to seal their criminal records, making them inaccessible to the public and most background checks. Unlike expungement, which completely erases the record, sealing keeps the record accessible to law enforcement and certain government agencies.
