In this article we will explain the Illinois appeals process. We will discuss what types of orders can be appealed, deadlines for filing appeals, how the appeal filing process works, what happens in an appeal once the case is filed, what actions the appeals court may order, and what your options are if you lose on appeal. Let’s start with a quick overview of the Illinois appeals system.

Expungement is the process of having your criminal records physically destroyed or returned to you and of removing the record from public view. On the other hand, if your records are sealed, they are not physically destroyed. However, sealed records are not obtainable without a court order and are removed from public view. Niether expunged or sealed records are visible in criminal checks. Employers may not consider expunged or sealed records in determining employment and may not ask an applicant if he or she has had records expunged or sealed. ​

In this article we explain your rights if you are pulled over for a traffic stop in Illinois. We discuss when the police are permitted to pull you over, your right to remain silent in a traffic stop, your right to refuse consent to the search of your vehicle, what constitutes probable cause for the search of your vehicle, and what to do if detained or arrested during a traffic stop.