A criminal record can follow you for years, affecting your job prospects, housing applications, and personal relationships. If you’ve been arrested or convicted of a crime in Bloomington, you may have options to clear your record. A Bloomington expungement lawyer can help you understand whether you qualify and guide you through the legal process to get a fresh start.
Bruno Law Offices has helped clients throughout Bloomington, Normal, and McLean County expunge their criminal records for 45 years. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys understand Illinois expungement law and know how to navigate the local court system to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Why Choose Bruno Law Offices for Your Expungement Case
When you’re facing a criminal record, you need an attorney who understands both the law and the local courts. Bruno Law Offices brings decades of experience and proven results to every expungement case.
Our firm was founded in 1980 by Thomas Bruno and has built a strong reputation as a family-operated criminal defense firm serving Central Illinois. We focus exclusively on criminal defense, which means we bring deep knowledge to every case we handle. Our team includes attorneys with federal court experience, appellate background, and deep connections to the McLean County court system.
Our Legal Team’s Credentials:
- Anthony Bruno, Managing Partner, serves on the Federal Criminal Justice Act Panel, representing clients in federal criminal cases. He’s listed on Avvo and Martindale-Hubbell.
- Evan Bruno, Managing Partner, previously served as a clerk for the Illinois Fourth District Appellate Court and now teaches Negotiations as an adjunct professor at the University of Illinois College of Law. He’s recognized on Avvo and Martindale-Hubbell.
- Our team also includes experienced criminal defense attorneys Kari Gibson, Jamie Rollins, and Katty Sievers, all focused on criminal defense matters.
This combination of trial experience, appellate knowledge, and academic background means your case receives thorough, strategic representation.
Our Track Record:
We’ve successfully handled expungements and record sealings that have allowed our clients to move forward with their lives. Our results include:
- Charges dismissed after weaknesses in the state’s case were identified
- Records cleared for clients seeking employment and housing opportunities
- Successful petitions for clients who completed diversion programs and probation
Serving clients in Bloomington, Normal, and throughout McLean County, we understand the unique challenges facing people with criminal records in our community.
What Is Expungement in Illinois?
Expungement is a legal process that removes a criminal record from public view. When a record is expunged, it’s as if the arrest or conviction never happened—at least in the eyes of the law and most employers.
In Illinois, expungement means the court orders the destruction or sealing of arrest records, conviction records, and related documents. Once expunged, you can legally answer “no” when asked if you’ve been arrested or convicted of a crime, with limited exceptions for certain government positions and professional licenses.
It’s important to understand that expungement is different from record sealing. When a record is sealed, it still exists but is hidden from public view. Law enforcement and certain government agencies can still access sealed records. Expungement, on the other hand, essentially erases the record from public access entirely. For most purposes, an expunged record gives you the clean slate you’re looking for.
Illinois law allows expungement in several situations, including arrests that didn’t result in conviction, certain misdemeanors, and some felonies under specific circumstances. The eligibility requirements depend on the type of charge and how much time has passed since your arrest or conviction. According to the Illinois Criminal Identification Act, specific criteria must be met for each offense category.
Who Qualifies for Expungement in Bloomington?
Not every criminal record can be expunged, but many can. Understanding whether you qualify is the first step toward clearing your record.
You may qualify for expungement if:
- Your arrest resulted in acquittal or dismissal of charges
- You were arrested but never charged with a crime
- You completed probation or successfully finished a diversion program
- You were convicted of certain misdemeanors and meet the waiting period requirements
- You were convicted of certain felonies and meet the waiting period requirements
- Your conviction was for marijuana possession under specific amounts
The waiting period varies depending on your situation. For dismissed charges or acquittals, you can petition for expungement after one year from the date of arrest. For misdemeanor convictions, the waiting period varies depending on the specific offense, typically ranging from one to three years after completing your sentence. In contrast, for felony convictions, the waiting period is usually three years, though some felonies have longer waiting periods or cannot be expunged at all.
Certain serious crimes, including violent felonies, sex offenses, and crimes against children, generally cannot be expunged. Additionally, if you have multiple convictions, expungement may not be available for all of them.
The Expungement Process and Timeline
Understanding what to expect during the expungement process helps you prepare and stay informed. The process typically takes three to six months from start to finish, though timelines can vary based on court schedules and case complexity.
Here’s how the expungement process works:
- Your attorney prepares a petition for expungement with the McLean County Circuit Court, including necessary documents and supporting evidence showing you meet eligibility requirements
- The state’s attorney’s office receives a copy of your petition and has the opportunity to object
- If the state does not object (common for dismissed charges or completed diversion programs), the judge may grant your petition without a hearing
- If the state objects, you attend a hearing where both sides present arguments to the judge
- Once the judge grants your petition, the court issues an order for expungement
- Law enforcement agencies typically have up to 60 days to complete the expungement process and confirm compliance
Throughout this process, your Bloomington expungement attorney handles all communication with the court and the state’s attorney. This ensures that you properly prepare and file your petition. We guide you through each step and answer your questions along the way.
Benefits of Clearing Your Criminal Record
Expunging your criminal record opens doors that a conviction may have closed. The benefits extend across many areas of your life.
- Employment opportunities improve significantly. Many employers conduct background checks, and a criminal record can disqualify you from jobs you’re otherwise qualified for. With an expunged record, you can answer honestly that you have no criminal history, removing this barrier to employment.
- Housing and rental applications become easier. Landlords often check criminal backgrounds, and a conviction can result in denial of housing. An expunged record removes this obstacle.
- Professional licensing becomes possible. Some professional licenses require a clean criminal record. Expungement may allow you to pursue careers in fields that previously seemed closed to you.
- Educational opportunities expand. Some schools and educational programs consider criminal history in admissions decisions. An expunged record removes this consideration.
- Your personal life improves as well. The stigma of a criminal record affects relationships, family dynamics, and your sense of self. Expungement provides a genuine fresh start and the ability to move forward without the constant reminder of a past mistake.
Expungement vs. Record Sealing: What’s the Difference?
While expungement and record sealing both remove criminal records from public view, they work differently and have different legal effects.
Record sealing hides your criminal record from public access. Employers, landlords, and most people cannot see a sealed record. However, law enforcement, courts, and certain government agencies can still access sealed records. If a job application asks about your criminal history, you can typically answer “no” since the record is sealed from public view. However, you must disclose sealed convictions when applying for professional licenses, government positions, or when specifically asked by law enforcement.
Expungement goes further. An expunged record completely erases and removes information from public databases, and in most cases, authorities destroy it entirely. The legal effect is as if the arrest or conviction never happened. You can answer “no” to questions about criminal history without qualification.
For most people seeking to move forward after a criminal charge or conviction, expungement is the better option because it provides a more complete fresh start. However, not all charges and convictions qualify for expungement. In those cases, record sealing may be available as an alternative. Your Bloomington criminal defense attorney can evaluate your specific situation and recommend whether expungement or record sealing is the best option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Expungement
What offenses can be expunged in Illinois?
Illinois law allows expungement for many offenses, including dismissed charges, acquittals, certain misdemeanors, and some felonies. Marijuana possession convictions under specific amounts can often be expunged. However, serious crimes like violent felonies, sex offenses, and crimes against children generally cannot be expunged. Your attorney can review your specific charge and advise whether expungement is available.
How long does expungement take?
The typical expungement process takes three to six months from filing the petition to receiving the court’s order. This timeline can vary depending on court schedules, whether the state’s attorney objects, and the complexity of your case. Once the judge grants your petition, the actual sealing or destruction of records typically takes a few additional weeks.
Will an expunged record show up on background checks?
No. Once your record is expunged, it should not appear on standard background checks used by employers, landlords, or other private entities. Law enforcement and certain government agencies may still have access to expunged records in their internal systems, but the general public and most employers cannot see them.
Can I expunge a felony conviction?
Yes, some felony convictions can be expunged under Illinois law. However, not all felonies qualify. Serious crimes like violent felonies and sex offenses cannot be expunged. For felonies that do qualify, you typically must wait three years after completing your sentence before petitioning for expungement. Your attorney can determine whether your specific felony conviction qualifies.
What is the cost of expungement?
Expungement costs include court filing fees and attorney fees. Court fees are typically a few hundred dollars. Attorney fees vary depending on the complexity of your case and whether the state’s attorney objects to your petition. Many expungement cases are straightforward and can be handled at a reasonable cost. We offer free consultations to discuss your case and provide a clear estimate of costs.
Do I need a lawyer for expungement?
While you can file for expungement without an attorney, having legal representation significantly increases your chances of success. An attorney ensures your petition is properly prepared, filed correctly, and presented persuasively to the court. If the state’s attorney objects, your criminal defense attorney can effectively argue for expungement at a hearing. The cost of hiring an attorney is often worth the increased likelihood of success and the peace of mind that comes with professional representation.
What happens if my expungement is denied?
If your petition is denied, you have options. Depending on the reason for denial, you may be able to file another petition after additional time has passed or after your circumstances have changed. You may also have the right to appeal the court’s decision. Your attorney can review the denial and advise you on the best next steps.
Call Bruno Law Offices for Your Free Expungement Consultation
If you have a criminal record in Bloomington or McLean County, don’t let it hold you back. Bruno Law Offices can help you explore your options for expungement or record sealing and guide you through the process.
Contact us today at 309-861-9960 to schedule your free consultation. Our experienced Bloomington expungement attorneys will review your case, explain your options, and answer your questions. We’re ready to help you get the fresh start you deserve.