Can a sex offender get a pardon in Illinois

If you have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, you may need a Governor’s pardon to clear your record. The Law Firm of Tamara N. Holder, LLC is a boutique law firm that has helped people clear their criminal records - through the expungement, sealing, or Governor’s pardon – for 17 years.

Tamara Holder founded xpunged.com in 2015, and has since gained extensive knowledge on how to properly prepare and file petition for pardon. We know the proper procedure for how to write your petition and then present your petition at your hearing before Governor Pritzker’s advisory board, named the Prisoner Review Board. Note: Even if you were not sentenced to prison (for example, you were sentenced to felony probation), the Board will still hear your petition.

If you were ever convicted of a misdemeanor or felony crime in Illinois, you are forever a convicted, no matter how many years have passed…unless Governor J.B. Pritzker pardons you. Additionally, if you have a DUI, even if you were granted supervision, you will need a pardon to remove it from your record.

There is an exception to this rule: Some felonies are now expungeable. Additionally, most felonies and misdemeanors are now sealable; sealing your record only hides it from public view.

We are not a faceless company that will simply sell you already publicly available information and then leave you to figure out the process on your own. Just like you would hire a divorce attorney to represent you in your divorce, we recommend you hire an attorney who focuses on pardons to prepare a petition for pardon/clemency and present your case to the Board.

Illinois Pardon Procedure

1. File your petition for pardon/clemency: If your record is not expungeable or sealable, you must seek a pardon if you want the case cleared from your record, even if you didn’t serve prison or jail time. The petition must be filed with the Governor’s advisory board, the Prisoner Review Board, that includes detailed information about your case and why you are a strong candidate for a Governor’s pardon. We gather all of the required information, write your entire petition, and then file it with the Board.
2. Hearing before the Board: After your petition is filed, you have the opportunity for a hearing before the Board. We appear at your hearing with you and present your case. With years of experience before the Board, we know exactly how to present your case and what they do (and do not) want to hear.
3. Board’s recommendation to Governor Pritzker: After your hearing, the Prisoner Review Board sends the petition to the Governor, along with their confidential opinion as to whether you should be pardoned. Their opinion is not binding on the Governor.
4. The Governor’s final decision: Your petition is now on Governor Pritzker’s desk for his decision on your pardon/clemency. By law, the Governor is not required to make a decision within any period of time; you must simply wait for his decision. You cannot submit another petition unless you have been formally denied. If the Governor grants your pardon with authorization to also expunge the record, you must then file the petition to expunge with the court. If the Governor denies your petition, you can re-file 1-year after denial.

We Are Often Asked: What Area My Chances of Receiving a Governor’s Pardon?

Your chances of a pardon are as good as the petition you submit. There is no guarantee that your pardon will be granted because the final decision is left up to one person: Governor Pritzker. But, we do guarantee that we will prepare a detailed and convincing petition on your behalf.

If a pardon is your only option, then you should petition for one; otherwise, the (felony) conviction is on your record forever.*

The better you present yourself and your petition to the Illinois Prisoner Review Board and the Governor, the better your chances of receiving the pardon.

* Disclaimer: This information is not legal advice. Illinois sealing and expungement laws are constantly changing. Please do not solely rely on this information. If you have any questions, please email or call us. Thank you!

Lake County Sex Crime Lawyer

Understanding Illinois' Sex Crime Laws

Have you been recently arrested and charged with a sex crime? These crimes are very serious, and without the representation of an attorney, you may be facing a difficult uphill battle. In some situations, alleged victims or family members accuse an individual of a sex-related offense due to fear, spite, revenge, or to simply gain the upper hand in a civil or family court proceeding.

Sex crimes are heavily prosecuted offenses, and without the representation Attorney Albert L. Wysocki, you could be facing fines, restitution and jail time. Additionally, convicted sexual criminals have to place their name onto the public sex offender registry. You should never have to face the Illinois justice system alone, and if you have been arrested, you need to contact a seasoned criminal attorney such as Albert L. Wysocki right away!

Attorney Wysocki represents clients all throughout Illinois, including Warren, Gurnee, Grayslake, Libertyville, Fox Lake, Lake County, Benton, McHenry County, Shields, Zion, and Mundelein.

Will I Have to Register as a Sex Offender?

One of the biggest concerns for individuals charged with sex crimes is the potential of facing the sex offender registry. This registry is a public database that houses information about you, your charges and even your personal and private law. Following a conviction for a sex offense, you will probably be served with a restraining order and forced to provide information regarding your full name, address, identifiable information including height, weight, tattoos and scars and have your crime clearly stated alongside your picture. These databases are open to the public, and family members, friends, neighbors and potential employers can access them.

If you have been charged with any of the following offenses, you need to work with Attorney Wysocki right away:

• Rape
• Molestation
• Solicitation of a sexual act
• Sexual battery
• Child pornography

Working with a lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case, and it is important that you immediately contact Albert L. Wysocki following an arrest!

How Do I Get off the Sex Offender Registry in Illinois?

The only way to get off the sex offender registry in Illinois is to petition the court to have your name removed from the registry. The only people that can qualify to petition are adults that have been wrongfully convicted or pardoned and sex offenders who were tried and convicted as minors in juvenile court, but not minors who were tried as adults.

Contact an Aggressive Lake County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Following an investigation or charge of a sexual offense, you will need to take the time to ensure that your rights and freedom are diligently protected. There is a lot on the line, and a conviction of a crime could follow you around for the rest of your life. Sex crimes can be particularly damaging and have life-long effects on your career, family and social life.

If you have been charged with a crime, it is important that you work with Albert L. Wysocki right away. Mr. Wysocki has more than 30 years of experience handling complex legal cases, and he can use his knowledge of the various Illinois state laws to ensure that your rights and freedoms are protected.

Any questions and concerns can be directed to Albert L. Wysocki today by contacting his firm and scheduling a case evaluation as soon as possible.

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