Illinois Expungement Lawyer

That used to be the case.  However, the law now allows for more of an independent look at each case.  If a case qualifies to be expunged on its own, then you should be eligible.  Again, the ultimate decision to grant the petition is left to the judge.  However, you would not automatically be barred by statute any longer. 

A judge can deny your petition to expunge or seal - even if you qualify for expungement/sealing under the statutes.  The court can look at a variety of factors when determining whether or not to grant your petition, so it's important to have those ready to present at the hearing - especially when your petition is contested. An experienced Illinois expungement lawyer can have those arguments prepared to present to the Court which can be the difference between having a clear record and being denied a job, housing, etc.

Nothing could be further from the truth.  Due to some recent changes in Illinois, almost all felonies are eligible to be sealed.  (Sealing keeps the record out of public view vs. Expungement that clears the record from most law enforcement databases as well).  Also, if you have an unlawful use/possession of a firearm conviction from before 2014 you may be able to get that conviction vacated and then expunged.  Remember to ask an experienced expungement and sealing lawyer about that.  

Unfortunately, the way the expungement and sealing laws are in Illinois, the process is usually going to take a minimum of 120 days.  That's why it's important to: (1) stay diligent and on top of it; and (2) do it right the first time. 

Unfortunately, that's not the case.  While successfully completing court supervision means there was no 'conviction' entered on your record, the arrest record and related reports remain a matter of public record. If you want to keep those  matters private and away from potential employers, neighbors, etc., we have to go back in and file the correct petitions to request expungement or sealing.  

Also not true. A  review of the docket will show the dismissal of the charges, but the charges themselves still remain public.  If there's a problematic or embarrassing arrest out there (even though the charges are dismissed), you still need to petition the court for expungement in most cases.