This is my fourth post in a series of articles discussing the possibility of expungement of criminal records related to juvenile sex offenses in Peoria, Illinois. My previous article discussed the benefits of having one’s record expunged. Many people do not know that juvenile records are not automatically erased when the offender reaches the age of majority. I feel it is necessary to address this topic so that people may better understand their situation. The goal of this article is to discuss the importance of hiring an experienced criminal attorney to assist one in the expungement process. If you or someone you know requires assistance in having their juvenile records expunged, contact my office today to speak with a lawyer.
Seeking to expunge a criminal record can be complicated. An experienced defense attorney will understand how to navigate the process of determining one’s eligibility for expungement. If you attempt to navigate this process on your own, you run the risk of not complying with all of the rules of the court system. Maybe you miss a document, or do not complete a step properly, this could adversely affect your chances of having your records erased. If the rules are not followed properly, it is more likely that a judge will dismiss the case and you will have to start all over. A lawyer will be familiar with the legal procedures and file documents in compliance with the rules, reducing the risk of dismissal by the court. Counsel will also understand how to persuasively present your case to the Judge, putting you in a better position for a favorable outcome. Effective lawyers will be prepared to handle the case from start to finish, including appealing unfavorable outcomes, if necessary.
If you do not seek counsel, you may run the risk of filing too early, which can result in the Judge dismissing your case. Or you may not complete all of the steps required to have your record expunged, which could result in your case being dismissed. A lawyer will also be able to write your petition and persuasively present your case to the judge in the way the courts prefer, which puts you in a better position to be successful. Hiring an attorney is a helpful step when trying to avoid having your case dismissed for not following a particular rule or for not completing all necessary steps.
I am a Peoria, Illinois attorney assisting individuals who wish to request expungement of their juvenile sex offense records. By using your initial consultation to gain an understanding of your situation, I will determine eligibility and help guide you through this process of having your records erased. Together, we will work to build a case that best represents your interests, and I will present it to the court. I have experience with our local courts and can help navigate the appeals process, if necessary. In addition to Peoria, 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.