Expunging a DUI Record

 Posted on January 31, 2019 in Expungement

One of the worst penalties for mistakes made or wrongful convictions is that a person has a criminal record for the rest of their life. That criminal record can prevent them from obtaining employment, housing, and other opportunities such as post-secondary scholarships. Due to this, those with past convictions often wonder if there is any way to get their record cleared, and the mark on it erased. This is often the case with those convicted of a DUI. So, is there any way to get a DUI expunged or sealed in Rolling Meadows?

Expunging a DUI

According to the Criminal Identification Act, expunging a record is the act of physically destroying it. Instead of the records being destroyed, the records may simply be given to the person named within them. Their name may also be removed from official and public record with regard to a certain crime.

Under the law, expungement may be possible for certain arrests, court-ordered supervision, probation, and even some felonies. A DUI however, cannot be expunged from a person’s record, no matter what they were charged with or what the sentencing entailed.

Sealing a DUI

While expunging a record is essentially making it as though the record never existed in the first place, there is another option for anyone with marks on their criminal record. This is sealing their record, which is also outlined in the Criminal Identification Act.

When a record is sealed, any convictions or arrests remain on an individual’s record. However, that record is only available when it has been ordered by a judge. For example, while a landlord may not be able to view the record, a judge may be able to when the court would like to know if a person has any prior convictions.

When expunging a record is not an option, individuals often try to have their record sealed. Unfortunately, this is not an option for those with a DUI on their criminal record, either. DUI convictions in Illinois can also not be sealed.

How to Clear a Record of a DUI in Rolling Meadows

Unfortunately, there are only two ways to have a DUI cleared from a criminal record in Rolling Meadows. The first is if there were no charges filed. If the case is dismissed, or a person was arrested but the charges were dropped and the individual was never sentenced, the arrest and case can be cleared from a criminal record.

In the instance that an individual was convicted of a DUI, they only have one option. That is to ask the governor of Illinois for a pardon. This is rarely done, and pardons are even more rarely given. For this reason, it is critical that anyone facing a DUI charge speak to an attorney that can help. The best way to ensure a criminal record does not contain any DUI charges is to not get them in the first place.

A DUI Attorney in Rolling Meadows Can Help

It is important for anyone charged with a DUI to seek the help of a passionate Rolling Meadows criminal defense lawyer. An attorney can help individuals beat DUI charges, or get the charges reduced so that one day, they may be eligible to have the charge on their criminal record sealed or expunged. If you have been charged with a DUI in Rolling Meadows, contact the Law Offices of Christopher M. Cosley today at 847-394-3200 for your free consultation. A DUI conviction likely means that a person will not be given a second chance to have their criminal record cleared. Our attorneys can help individuals fight the charges in court and retain their freedom, both now and in the future. Contact us for a free consultation.

Sources:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=350&ChapterID=5

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-501