How to Get a DUI Off Your Record in Illinois

When you’re charged with a DUI, it can affect your record for some time after the incident. You’re facing charges for driving under the influence, which may include fines, a license suspension, and even jail time. 

In a long-term sense, that DUI is also on your record, which can make things more difficult. If you’re seeking work as a commercial driver, for example, you might struggle to find employment. Other employers or landlords may also be influenced by your record. 

As such, it’s important to know how to get a DUI off your record in Illinois, but it’s not always easy. If you’re not sure where to start, though, the lawyers at Chicago Trusted Attorneys are here to help. 

The Illinois Expungement Process 

If you’ve already been charged with driving under the influence and you’re trying to fight back, you may want to have your Illinois criminal record sealed or expunged. While this option may not be available for those convicted of a misdemeanor, you may be eligible if the charges were dropped or you were otherwise found not guilty.

Since you were arrested for drunk driving, though, you’ll still have those charges on your record. As long as you weren’t convicted or received supervision, your Illinois attorney can help you gather the right paperwork and file for expungement or sealing once the waiting period has passed. 

This process hides your record from public use, as though nothing ever happened. That gives you a fresh start with your record. 

Seeking a Pardon in IL

Sadly, your defense may not have succeeded in court, and  you’ve finished your sentence for a DUI charge. Now, expungement is no longer an option. DUIs are taken seriously in Illinois, and most misdemeanor and felony convictions can’t be expunged. Now, your best option is to seek a pardon from the governor.

The governor has the power to grant a pardon, but you’ll need to seek out the opportunity. This pardon can remove your conviction completely from your record, expunging your record and leaving you without those charges. 

However, these pardons aren’t granted easily. You’ll need to petition for the pardon and attend a hearing about your case. Your Chicago DUI lawyer can help you show that you should receive this pardon, and the Illinois governor will pardon you if your hearing is successful. 

Contact a Lawyer about Your Illinois DUI

When you’ve been accused of a DUI, it can be tough to overcome your criminal record. It can affect your future for years after your case, so fighting back can help you get your life back. Even so, you’ll need to know the logistics of how to get a DUI off your record in Illinois. 

At Chicago Trusted Attorneys, we understand the damage a drunk driving charge can do to your record, and we’re ready to help. Reach out for a consultation about your record, and your attorney can help you find the best options for clearing your record. 

When you’re struggling with a criminal record and you want help removing that DUI, seek out help from an Illinois lawyer. Begin by calling 312-519-3171 or by filling out the online form below.