Expunging a Criminal Record: Why and How
Once upon a time, there was a young man named Alex who made a mistake. He committed a minor retail related offense and found himself convicted of petty theft. This conviction followed him for years, making it difficult for him to find a job or secure housing. Alex felt trapped and hopeless until he learned about expungements.
An expungement is a legal process that allows individuals to have certain criminal records expunged or sealed. This means that the record will not appear on background checks.
“Expungements can be life-changing for people who have made mistakes and are ready to move on from their past," said Kane County Circuit Court Clerk, Theresa Barreiro.
The expungement/sealing process can be complicated and overwhelming to have even a minor offense removed.
To help people, who have a qualifying charge or conviction that occurred in Kane County, learn whether they are eligible to seal a record or have it expunged, Barreiro's office, in partnership with the Kane County State's Attorney's office, is hosting an expungement clinic on September 9, 2023 at the Gail Borden Library in Elgin from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and assist in filling out paperwork. You can register HERE.
Individuals are asked to bring a copy of their criminal history. Criminal records can be obtained through the Circuit Clerk's office located at 540 S. Randall Rd in St. Charles or by going to https://cic.countyofkane.org/ and click on research from the contacts. Fees may apply.
During an expungement clinic back in May of this year, the Circuit Clerk and Judicial partners filed petitions for 147 cases.
Learn more about the expungement process by clicking HERE.
