This is my third post in a series of articles discussing the possibility of expunging juvenile records related to sex offenses in Peoria and other parts of Illinois. My previous article detailed the process by which one may go about petitioning the court for expungement. Many people do not know that juvenile records are automatically sealed, but not expunged. A sealed record hidden from most public searches but will still be available to law enforcement and certain employers. Expungement means that the record is erased, and it is as if the offense never happened. The goal of this article is to highlight the benefits of expunging a juvenile record. If you or a loved one requires assistance, contact my office to speak with an attorney today.
The Juvenile Expungement Act establishes procedures for expunging juvenile records. Criminal records for violent crimes or sex offenses are not automatically expunged when the offender turns the age of majority. This means that you must take the time to petition the court and attend a hearing to have your record erased. While this process may be time consuming and tedious, it is incredibly important for your future.
One of the most significant benefits of having your juvenile sex offense expunged is that you will be able to truthfully state that you do not have a criminal history because it has been erased. If expunged, your criminal record will no longer come up in law enforcement background checks. This means if you are arrested in the future, law enforcement will not know that you have a prior arrest or conviction. If you ever seek security clearance for a job with the government if your record is expunged, it will not be available to your potential governmental employer. Having your record erased can provide you with more opportunities in the future and can prevent you from being discriminated against for having a criminal record.
Expunging a juvenile sex offense can also improve one’s career prospects. There are many professional licenses which cannot be obtained without a check of one’s juvenile history. It goes without saying that if such a check shows a sex offense, then one may be denied a professional license. By expunging your history, you improve your chances of entering certain professions.
I am a Peoria, Illinois attorney assisting juveniles in expunging their sex offense records. I have experience with our local court system and can help you navigate the process from start to finish. Contact my office today to speak with a lawyer. I also serve the counties of Fulton, Knox, LaSalle, Marshall, Mason, McLean, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, and Woodford. I also handle federal cases in Urbana.