Chicago Expungement Lawyer Purav Bhatt | Criminal Attorney
Every time you are arrested for a crime in Illinois, a negative mark appears on your criminal record. Even if you were not convicted after your arrest, your criminal record remains. Having a criminal record can create personal stress and limit your future opportunities. An arrest on your criminal record can make it difficult for you to obtain a job, rent an apartment or home, pursue a degree or professional certification, receive bank loans, and receive student loans. A Chicago Expungement Attorney can help.
For many, having a criminal record is life altering and can change the course of one’s future. Fortunately, there is a way to “erase” arrests from your criminal record. Only an experienced Expungement Attorney can best assist you.
What is Expungement?
When you are arrested or convicted of a crime, that information becomes a part of your criminal record, which is available to the public and can be viewed by anyone, including employers, landlords, government agencies, and other organizations. Having a criminal record can make it difficult for you to find employment, housing, and educational opportunities. It can also do irreparable damage to your personal and professional relationships.
Getting your criminal records expunged or sealed can help mitigate the negative effects of having a criminal record. Expungement means that your record is completely erased as if the crime never happened. On the other hand, sealing means that the record remains, but it is no longer available to the general public. Once your record is expunged or sealed, you can legally say that you have never been arrested or convicted of a crime.
Clearing your record is particularly important if you were charged with a minor offense or if you were arrested, but never charged or convicted. In these instances, having a criminal record can be incredibly unfair and cause undeserved harm to your reputation and future opportunities.
If you meet the basic requirements, you may be eligible for an expungement of your criminal record. After your petition is filed, it usually takes about 4–6 months for your arrest to be erased from your record if the state of Illinois grants your request. Consult Purav Bhatt for any questions or concerns you might have.
If you are considering expungement, call The Law Office of Purav Bhatt. We can evaluate your case to determine if you meet the basic requirements, help you with complicated paperwork, and ensure that your petition is completed successfully.
Pardons and Clemency
The state of Illinois has procedures for pardons and clemency. A pardon vacates a conviction and expunges the record, while clemency results in a reduced sentence but leaves the conviction intact and on record. If you seek a pardon, commutation, or clemency, Chicago expungement lawyer Purav Bhatt can help.
Criminal Offenses Eligible for Expungement in Illinois
Certain criminal offenses are eligible for expungement, which means that the records of those offenses can be destroyed or returned to the petitioner. These include:
- Arrests that did not lead to a conviction
- Misdemeanor offenses
- Class 4 felony drug possession offenses
- Some non-violent Class 3 and 4 felony drug offenses
- Some Class 3 and 4 felony offenses
- Juvenile offenses
- Some prostitution offenses
- Some Class 2 felony offenses
- Identity theft and deceptive practices offenses
- Some Class 1 felony offenses
Of course, not all offenses are eligible for expungement. The eligibility can also depend on factors such as the length of time since the offense occurred, and whether you have any other criminal history.
Criminal convictions not eligible for expungement and sealing include:
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Reckless driving
- Domestic battery
- Aggravated battery
- Battery with a firearm
- Criminal sexual assault
- Aggravated criminal sexual abuse
- Exploitation of a child
- Unlawful restraint
- Kidnapping
- Murder
- Attempted murder
- Stalking
- Human trafficking
- Any offense that requires registration under the Sex Offender Registration Act
This list is not exhaustive, and there may be other criminal offenses that are not eligible for expungement in Illinois. It’s best to consult with a knowledgeable Chicago expungement lawyer to determine whether the criminal offense on your record is eligible for expungement or sealing. Attorney Purav Bhatt has been through the legal process many times before and knows how to get a record sealed or expunged under Illinois law.
How Our Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help Expunge Your Record
A reliable criminal defense attorney can be instrumental in helping erase your criminal records, essentially making it as if your arrest, criminal charges, or felony convictions never existed. Here are some benefits of working with the determined legal team at The Law Office of Purav Bhatt:
Knowledge of the Illinois Expungement Process
Expert attorney Purav Bhatt is highly knowledgeable about the expungement process in Illinois and can guide you through each step of the process. Our team can help you determine if you are eligible for expungement and advise you every step of the way.
Ability to Review Your Criminal Record
Our Chicago criminal defense attorney can review your criminal record and help you determine which charges are eligible for expungement. We can also help you gather the necessary documents and information to support your petition for expungement.
Aggressive Advocacy in Court
If your petition is challenged by the prosecution or certain law enforcement officials (like the Illinois State Police), Purav Bhatt is one of the best Illinois expungement attorneys to advocate on your behalf in court. He can present evidence and arguments to support your case and help you achieve the desired outcome.
Reduced Stress Throughout the Process
The expungement process can be complicated and stressful, especially if you are not familiar with the legal system. With us in your corner, you will have experienced professionals on your side who can guide you through the process and help you achieve your goals.
Clean Your Criminal Record Today With The Law Office of Purav Bhatt: Contact Us Now!
At The Law Offices of Purav Bhatt, we understand that a criminal record can have lasting consequences on your personal and professional life. As one of the top Chicago expungement lawyers, attorney Bhatt is dedicated to helping people in Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, Will County and other communities throughout the Chicago area so they can move forward from past mistakes. From arrest records to court records, we aim to help you clean up your criminal record.
Purav Bhatt is a former Cook County State’s Attorney so he has extensive knowledge and experience with Illinois’ criminal record sealing and expungement laws. Now a successful Chicago expungement attorney, Mr. Bhatt can provide you with the guidance and representation needed to ensure that your criminal record doesn’t affect you for the rest of your life.
Having a clear criminal record can open doors to better job opportunities, housing options, and financial stability. Don’t let your past mistakes define your future. Let us help you move forward with a fresh start. Contact us online or call us at 773-791-9682 to discuss your case with a skilled attorney and get your record expunged.