In Illinois, whenever a minor is arrested, law enforcement agencies and courts keep a record of it. Even if your case was dismissed, or if you were acquitted, you will still have a criminal record, and this record can raise red flags for future employers, admissions officers, and student loan agents.
However, under the Illinois Juvenile Court Act, you can apply to have your juvenile criminal record expunged. Expungement makes it so that the general public cannot view your record, and they will be treated as if they never existed. You can honestly answer that you do not have a record, if you are asked on an application or in an interview.
If you have a juvenile record, and it is holding you back, you deserve to have a dedicated criminal defense attorney fighting to clear your record. If your child or another loved one is in this difficult position, don’t hesitate to contact a local expungement lawyer to help you understand your options and the best course of action for moving forward.
Juvenile Cases that May Be Expunged
Not all offenses can be expunged from your record. If any of these situations apply to you, you might be eligible for to expunge your entire record:
- You were arrested, but a petition for delinquency was not filed.
- You were found by a judge to be not delinquent.
- You received an order of supervision and successfully finished your supervision.
- You were found delinquent for an offenses which would be a Class B or C misdemeanor, a petty offense, or a business offence if committed by an adult.
- Any other incident occurring before your 18th birthday, except for the incidents specified below.
Juvenile Cases that Cannot Be Expunged
Some types of cases cannot be expunged from your record. These include:
- A proceeding which may have started, but did not proceed, in juvenile court. If you were prosecuted as an adult instead, you may be able to expunge or seal your record.
- Driving under the influence.
- First degree murder.
- Sex offenses that would be considered felonies if committed by an adult.
Seek Guidance from An Expungement Attorney
If you are under 18 years old, you need a parent or guardian in order to petition for expungement. If you are 18 or older, you can get the expungement without a parent signing off. Regardless of your age, it is important to seek the advice of a knowledgeable Chicago expungement attorney, who can help you determine whether you are eligible, can guide you through the process of petitioning for expungement, and will fight for a clean record for you and your future. Contact Goldman & Associates today to speak with an advocate.
