Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Understanding the Real-World Impact of a DUI Conviction in Chicago
In Chicago and across Illinois, a DUI conviction can quietly affect nearly every aspect of your life long after you serve your sentence. From job opportunities to housing applications and even professional licensing, the shadow of a past DUI doesn’t easily fade. Unlike many criminal offenses that may be eligible for expungement or sealing after a certain period, a DUI sticks. That permanence leads many people to ask: Is there anything I can do to remove it from my record?
Unfortunately, the answer is almost always no if you were convicted. Illinois law is extremely strict about DUI-related offenses. Whether you were arrested in Cook County, DuPage, Will, or Lake County, a conviction for driving under the influence under 625 ILCS 5/11-501 is not eligible for sealing or expungement. However, not all hope is lost. The key is understanding when records might be cleared and taking early, aggressive steps to avoid a conviction in the first place.
