Having a clean arrest or driving record is always important, but today it can be critical for employment opportunities. If you’re seeking a job or looking to transition careers, a prior charge, arrest, conviction, or even supervision may hold you back. If you believe your record is preventing you from moving forward, you should consult with an attorney about expunging or sealing it.

While you can find resources at the Office of the State Appellate Defender of Illinois, the information is often complex or outdated.

Recently, Illinois made changes to give people a break when it comes to expungement. Before 2013, charges for DUI (625 ILCS 5/11-501) and Reckless Driving (625 ILCS 5/11-503) were excluded from expungement. But as of January 1, 2013, an amendment to the law provides an exception:

• DUI and Reckless Driving are still excluded, unless the arrest or charge is for a misdemeanor reckless driving violation under subsection (a) of Section 11-503 (or a similar local ordinance).
• The violation must have occurred before the offender turned 25.
• The offender must have no other DUI or reckless driving convictions.
• The person seeking expungement must now be at least 25 years old.

(See the full amendment here: Public Act 097-0698.

If you or someone you know was charged with reckless driving before age 25, this change may provide an opportunity for a fresh start. Expungement or sealing could mean the difference between moving ahead in life or remaining stuck with barriers caused by a youthful mistake.

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