Almost 10 years ago, there was a felony drug arrest made against me. Although I was arrested and charged, nothing came from it once we began the court proceedings (via a nolle prosequi determination).
I have since moved away from Illinois but this charge has now caused me to be denied a fingerprint clearance card with the State of Arizona; as such, it's jeopardizing my income, livelihood, and ability to better my self/family.
Is there a way for this to get expunged?
Does it fall off of one's record after 'n' amount of years?
Are there any lawyers/firms who would work with me, being how I'm out-of-state, in order to get this off of my record?
The State of Arizona's denial is stating that they're unable to determine the outcome of the charge which I believe is falsely causing them to believe it's somehow on-going.
I realize this is the worst time right now, with the Coronavirus shutting down many businesses and government firms, but I desperately need to get this arrest off of my record so I can continue to better my self and family.
I have a great job with the State and would be crushed if this caused me financial hardship because of one day ~10 years ago.
First, I suggest that you contact an Illinois attorney who can look into your old case, determine whether your records are expungeable and, if they are, help you to file a petition for expungement before the appropriate Illinois state court.
I do not know the significance of a fingerprint clearance card in Arizona, nor do I entirely understand why an Illinois record that should already show the nolle pros disposition should be standing in your way in Arizona, but that is something you will need to discuss with an Arizona attorney. In most cases, however, Illinois records for an arrest and charge that do not result in a conviction should be eligible for expungement upon proper petition and order of court.
In most cases, you should be able to have the arrest and case expunged from your record.
shoplifting
A friend of mine's 16 year old son shoplifted some merchandise from a store-less than $10 worth. The store told my friend that they would not call the police but she would be hearing from their lawyer. The store's lawyer informed her that she needed to pay $250 within 20 days and if she could not pay it in 20 days the amount would go up to $560. Is this legal? It sounds like extortion to me.
thanks
