Having a criminal record from a teenage mistake can feel like being followed through life by a dark cloud. College applications, scholarships and job prospects can all be impacted.
However, there is hope for teenagers and their parents, as certain criminal records can be expunged.
What is expungement, and why does it matter?
A teenager’s brain isn’t fully developed, making them more likely to have lapses in judgment and make impulsive decisions. Minor run-ins with the law as a teenager shouldn’t define a person, but the legal paper trail can follow them into adulthood.
Expungement is the legal process of having some criminal records erased. That means that it isn’t accessible to the public, allowing the teen to have a future without the stigma of a criminal record.
In Illinois, you can request an expungement of any arrests or charges if they resulted in the following outcomes, unless certain exceptions apply:
- You were found not guilty, your case was dismissed, or you weren’t charged after being released.
- You were convicted, but the conviction was cancelled or overturned.
- You were given supervision or placed on a special type of probation, which you successfully completed.
Having a criminal record expunged can offer peace of mind to a teenager and their parents. There is a better chance of being accepted into college or a trade school. When an employer conducts a background check during the hiring process, an expunged record won’t appear.
Expungement can give your teenager a chance for a better future. If you’re unsure whether your teenager is eligible, you should seek legal guidance. This can help you review the situation’s specifics and guide you through the expungement process.