Who can see sealed records? | Illinois | Expungement Forums :: Free Criminal Record Clearing and Expungement Information

Who can see sealed records?

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May 27, 2010

Louis from Chicago

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Hello, I want to seal my record. I have a decent job, and a family-wife and two daughters. Not too proud of some of the stuff I did in the past and I have some money saved up. Just curious about who can see a sealed record? I don't want to pay to seal my record and find out that there are still ways to see it. Thanks, Louis.

June 3, 2010

Tamara Holder

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Louis,

I am assuming that you are concerned about your Illinois record. This post is specific to Illinois cases ONLY.

There are 3 ways to clear your record: expunge, seal and pardon. If you have a conviction on any part of your record, you cannot expunge any case whatsoever. BUT, you may be able to seal the record even though you have a conviction.

With sealing, the government can still access your record; however, the public cannot. This is important for the person who is going for a general background check for a new job. The prospective employer will generally look in the courthouse for records. If this is their method, a sealed record will NOT be revealed.

BUT, if you are applying for a government job (police officer, teacher, etc) the government agency will most likely be able to seal the record.

I always recommend a person use whatever method is their best option to clear, whether it is expunge or seal or seeking a governor's pardon. A past criminal record can always haunt someone when he/she least expects it.

Sincerely,
Tamara N. Holder, Attorney at Law
Chicago, IL 312-981-1414 http://www.xpunged.com

Attorney Tamara N. Holder
19 S. La Salle Street, Suite 1500
Chicago, IL 60603
312-981-1414
www.xpunged.com