Who Can See My Sealed Criminal Record?

When you’re accused of breaking the law, avoiding a criminal record is vital. A criminal record will haunt you for years to come, making it difficult to recover from the suffering you experienced. Sealing your record ensures you don’t have to deal with some of the long-term consequences associated with a conviction, but the record is still there. So who can see it?

If you’re worried about penalties from your sealed record, reach out to a criminal defense lawyer at Chicago Trusted Attorneys™. We can help you seal your record and reduce the long-term fallout from your conviction.

Who Can See a Sealed Record?

When your record is sealed, the record is put away, but it’s not destroyed. It still exists, but it’s not accessible to the general public. This is in contrast to an expungement, where your record is destroyed and no one is able to access it. But who can access your sealed criminal record?

Typically, this record is available to all law enforcement agencies and certain licensing agencies. For example, if you want to become a registered nurse, practice medicine or law, their respective licensing boards will have access to your sealed record and you will be at their mercy to be granted a license.

Can My Employer Access My Sealed Record?

If you’re seeking a job, especially if you’ve spent time in jail or prison, you may be concerned about whether they’ll be able to see your sealed record. The good news is, most employers won’t be able to look at a sealed record. Under the Illinois Human Rights Act, employers may not ask about or ask to see your sealed record.

The Record Sealing Process

Record sealing can change your life, but it can be difficult to achieve without help. This is where a lawyer can step in and help ensure you are indeed eligible, filling out the right paperwork and filing it to the correct court.

An experienced lawyer can help you gather the information you need and present it for approval by the judge.

How a Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You

When you’re accused or convicted of a crime, your arrest or conviction record doesn’t go away when you’ve paid your dues. Sealing your criminal record may be the best option for you to move on with your life.

An Illinois criminal defense lawyer at Chicago Trusted Attorneys™ can guide you through the process of getting your record sealed, ensuring it’s sealed, and preventing discrimination against yourself about your record. Worried about your future? Consult with us by calling 312-519-3171 or by filling out the online contact form below.