Bloomington IL Expungement Lawyer
Is a past mistake still haunting your record? It’s time to take action.
Criminal charges, even those that were dismissed or resulted in acquittal, can hold you back from employment, housing, and other basic opportunities. At Dodds Law Office in Bloomington, we don’t believe you should pay forever for something the legal system has already resolved. Expungement lawyer Terry Dodds can help clear your name and get your record wiped clean wherever the law allows.
Why Choose Dodds Law Office for Your Expungement?
We don’t take chances with your future. At Dodds Law Office, we approach expungement petitions with precision and strategy. When we take on your case, we do it to win.
Attorney Terry Dodds has spent over two decades representing individuals throughout McLean County and Central Illinois. He understands how to navigate the local court system, how prosecutors respond to expungement petitions, and how judges interpret the law. More importantly—he knows how to get records cleared.
When you hire our firm, we don’t file and hope for the best. We build petitions designed to succeed and follow through until the job is done. Call Dodds Law Office now to see if you qualify for expungement. 309-807-3600.
I appreciate the great job you did for me. It was stress and worry free, and you are a very honest attorney. I have never received a refund on a retainer fee paid to an attorney before you. Thank you very much.
Stop Letting a Criminal Record Define Your Future
Your criminal record isn’t just a file. It’s a barrier. Employers, landlords, universities, and even financial institutions routinely run background checks. If they see a prior arrest or conviction, they rarely ask questions—they simply move on. That means no interview, no lease, no loan approval.
That arrest may have never even led to a conviction. But it still sits there, quietly working against you.
Illinois law allows qualifying individuals to expunge or seal certain criminal records. But the legal system doesn’t do this for you—you must take the initiative, file the right documents, and meet the exact requirements.
What Does Expungement Do?
Expungement is a legal process that removes an arrest or criminal charge from your public record entirely. Once expunged, it’s as if the arrest or charge never happened. Employers, landlords, and most background check systems will no longer see it.
Are You Eligible for Expungement in Illinois?
Only specific offenses and outcomes are eligible for expungement. The eligibility requirements for expungement vary based on the nature of the offense, how it was resolved, and how much time has passed.
You may qualify for expungement if:
- Your charges were dismissed
- You were found not guilty
- You completed court supervision for a qualifying offense
- You completed probation for a qualifying offense
- You were pardoned by the Governor with authorization to expunge
Ineligible cases may still qualify for record sealing, which limits public access to your record while allowing certain entities, like law enforcement, to see it under specific circumstances.
309-807-3600.
What Cannot Be Expunged in Illinois?
In Illinois, not all criminal records can be expunged. Certain offenses are excluded by law, even if a person has completed their sentence or significant time has passed. Here’s a breakdown of what cannot be expunged in Illinois:
Felony Convictions (in most cases)
Felony convictions generally cannot be expunged. Exceptions are rare and typically involve a Governor’s pardon that expressly authorizes expungement.
DUI Convictions
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) convictions cannot be expunged or sealed, even if it’s your only offense.
Domestic Battery Convictions
A conviction for domestic battery, violation of an order of protection, or similar domestic violence-related charges cannot be expunged or sealed.
Sex Offenses (when involving a minor)
Sex offenses involving a minor—whether they led to a conviction or not—are not eligible for expungement or sealing under Illinois law.
Court Supervision for Certain Offenses
Even though supervision often leads to expungement eligibility, certain offenses disqualify supervision from being expunged, including:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- Sexual offenses against minors
- Reckless driving if you were 21 or older at the time
Convictions Where Time Hasn't Passed
Some cases might eventually qualify for sealing or expungement, but mandatory waiting periods apply (typically 3 to 5 years after completion of your sentence or supervision). If you haven’t met those timelines, your petition will be denied.
If your case doesn’t qualify for expungement, we will evaluate whether record sealing is a viable option.
The Difference Between Expungement and Sealing
Many people confuse expungement with record sealing. While both serve to protect your record from public view, they are not the same.
Expungement deletes the record from public access—it’s as if it never existed.
Sealing hides the record from the public, but allows certain government agencies and law enforcement to access it under specific conditions.
At Dodds Law Office, we pursue full expungement whenever possible—and we only recommend sealing if it’s the most aggressive solution available under the law.
Why You Need a Lawyer for Expungement
Expungement is not just a paperwork formality. It’s a legal proceeding that requires a petition, supporting documents, and, in many cases, a court hearing. Any error, omission, or missed deadline can lead to a denial.
Without an attorney, you’re at the mercy of a complicated system that’s designed to be hard to navigate.
When you hire Dodds Law Office, we:
- Determine your eligibility
- Draft a complete and accurate petition
- Gather supporting documentation
- File in the correct jurisdiction
- Represent you in court
- Challenge any objections from the State’s Attorney
- Follow through until your record is cleared
We don’t leave anything to chance—and we don’t back down when the process gets tough. Call 309-807-3600.
Timeline: How Long Does Expungement Take in Illinois?
Expungement is not an overnight fix, but it is worth the wait. Once your petition is filed:
- The court may take several weeks to schedule a hearing
- The State’s Attorney may file an objection, requiring a legal response
- If approved, it may take additional time for the record to be removed from all databases
From start to finish, the process can take between 3 and 6 months, sometimes longer if the court is backed up or the case is contested.
Our law firm stays on top of every filing, every notice, and every deadline to make sure your case keeps moving forward.
The longer you wait to act, the longer your record holds you back. Call 309-807-3600 now.
What Happens If the State Objects to an Expungement Request?
It’s common for the prosecutor’s office to object to an expungement request, especially if the offense was recent or if there’s a public interest concern. These objections are not the end of the road—they’re legal arguments that can be challenged.
This is where experienced legal representation matters.
If you try to handle this yourself, a single misstep can ruin your chances. With Dodds Law Office, you’ve got a fighter in your corner who knows how to go on offense. We’ll prepare a legal response and present it in court to counter any attempt to keep your record public.
What If Your Record Is Already Sealed?
In some cases, a sealed record may still carry consequences. Employers in sensitive fields—like law enforcement, education, or healthcare—may have access to sealed records. If sealing your record hasn’t stopped it from interfering with your life, we can explore whether full expungement is now possible.
Illinois law evolves. What wasn’t expungeable five years ago may be eligible now. We don’t take “no” at face value—we verify, investigate, and re-attack the case with updated legal strategy if the law allows.
Don’t Wait—Time Affects Your Rights
In Illinois, timing can affect whether your record can be cleared. Waiting periods apply to some supervised sentences. Other cases may become eligible after changes in law. But one thing is constant: the longer a negative record sits unchallenged, the more damage it can do.
Delays give background checks more time to flag your history. Don’t give them that power. Take it back with an expungement petition that works.
We Serve Clients Throughout McLean County and Central Illinois
Dodds Law Office is based in Bloomington, Illinois, and we serve individuals throughout the surrounding areas, including:
- Normal
- Lexington
- Heyworth
- Downs
- Chenoa
- Gridley
- Le Roy
- McLean County and beyond
If your record is holding you back, and you live in or around Bloomington, we’re ready to help. Call 309-807-3600 now.
Take Control. Clear Your Record. Move On.
A past arrest or dismissed charge doesn’t have to control your future. At Dodds Law Office, we don’t believe in passive representation. We take control of the case, confront every obstacle, and push for results.
When your freedom, privacy, and future are on the line, you need a Bloomington expungement lawyer who’s not afraid to fight. Call Dodds Law Office today at 309-807-3600 and find out what it takes to get your record cleared—for good.