Orders of Protection & Record Expungement
We routinely defend clients against unfair and false petitions seeking orders of protection. And for those with criminal records to expunge, we can often help clear your record.
Clearing Your Record
In Illinois, not all criminal records can be expunged. In general, most convictions are not eligible, but many times can be sealed instead. Our office can help you clear your record and get a fresh start.
If you are eligible to expunge a record, you may be able to:
- Remove arrest records that did not result in a charge.
- Remove criminal charges that never resulted in a conviction.
- Remove records from local police and state police databases.
- Remove records from the court and circuit clerk.
- Answer “NO” on job applications and housing forms, when asked if you’ve been convicted of an offense.
- Improve your changes of maintaining or reinstating an Illinois FOID Card.
If you are not eligible to expunge your record, you may still be able to get it sealed. If sealed, then your record may be:
- Hidden from public records
- Hidden from potential employers
- No longer subject to public record and FOIA requests
- Removed from public and online databases
To learn more about clearing your record, contact our office today to speak with an attorney.
Order of Protection (OP) Defense
An Order of Protection (“OP”) is a very powerful court order that prevents a person from being around a victim, but an OP can have wide-ranging implications and unforeseen consequences. Here are just a few ways that an OP can drastically affect your life if granted by a judge:
- It can restrict you from returning to your own home.
- It can prohibit you from being around your spouse, partner, and even your children.
- It can get you fired from your job.
- You can become ineligible for certain career fields, such as healthcare and law enforcement.
- You could lose your right to possess and own firearms and have your FOID Card revoked.
- An OP can make you ineligible to serve in the military.
- You can experience adverse actions in family court.
Violating an Order of Protection is a crime, and it could land you in jail even if you accidentally violate it. If someone takes out an OP on you, do not sit back and wait. Contact our office right away to begin defending yourself.