Even dismissed charges can appear on a background check, creating barriers many Chicago residents don’t expect. Criminal Records often limit access to housing and steady work, even when the case was minor or dismissed years ago. During holiday retail hiring and end-of-year rental turnovers, these obstacles become more obvious—opportunities appear quickly, but an old record can shut them just as fast.
McDermott Law Group works with clients across Chicago who face these setbacks. If you are searching for a Criminal defense lawyer near me, you will see how we provide both immediate guidance and long-term strategies to protect rights under Illinois law and create real chances for a fresh start.
Now that the broader impact is clear, let’s look at how landlords in Chicago use background checks and why these screenings often keep doors closed.
🏠 Housing providers in Chicago regularly run background checks on applicants. National surveys show that more than 80% of landlords conduct some form of criminal screening. While the Fair Housing Act prevents discrimination based on protected characteristics like race or religion, it allows landlords to deny tenants based on past charges.
Common reasons for denial include:
✅ Recent felony convictions (within 7–10 years)
✅ Drug-related charges, even when no conviction occurred
✅ Multiple arrests suggesting a pattern of behavior
Local advocates have pushed for reforms, but landlords retain broad discretion. Even minor offenses from years ago can limit rental options. For families, this can mean higher deposits, restricted neighborhoods, or outright rejection.
When housing access is blocked, working with a record sealing attorney in Chicago provides an opportunity to reopen doors. Legal action can ensure applications are reviewed fairly and that tenants are not permanently judged for past mistakes.
A recent client recalled:
“My family recently worked with the McDermott Law Group on a serious charge that we were facing. We worked with David, Irena, and Natalia. They are all above-the-line professionals; they made us feel at home and like family, and they consistently responded to our texts and phone calls. McDermott Law Group did an excellent job educating us on the legal process in a manner that we could understand. I always felt that no matter how many cases they were handling, we were just as crucial to the firm. They are a firm that consistently delivers results and knows the way around the courtroom. I highly recommend McDermott Law Group, LLC. We are very grateful to McDermott Law Group.”
Struggling with doors closing because of past Criminal Records? Don’t let old mistakes control your future.
Connect with attorneys who fight to restore opportunities in housing, employment, and stability across Chicago.
👉 Call (833) MCD-WINS today!
💼 Job seekers face similar challenges. Research from the Prison Policy Initiative shows that applicants with Criminal Records are nearly 50% less likely to receive a callback from employers.
Illinois has introduced protections:
✅ Ban-the-Box law delays background checks until later stages of hiring.
✅ Illinois Human Rights Act requires employers to show that rejecting an applicant is directly related to the job duties.
Yet, certain industries remain stricter than others:
📌 Healthcare settings, where patient safety is prioritized
📌 Finance and banking, with federal compliance requirements
📌 Education and childcare, where state rules block applicants with certain records
For many people, the rejection is not about the crime itself but the presence of a record on paper. Individuals searching for a criminal defense lawyer near me often need guidance on how to respond to background checks strategically. McDermott Law’s attorneys provide background check defense, ensuring employers follow Illinois law when evaluating applicants.
Illinois law provides two primary paths for clearing Criminal Records: expungement and sealing.
Permanently erases the record, as though the arrest or charge never happened. Eligible cases often include dismissals, acquittals, or completed supervision programs.
Hides the record from most background checks while remaining accessible to law enforcement and some licensing boards.
Eligibility varies by offense and waiting period. For example, certain misdemeanors may qualify for sealing after three years, while more serious cases require longer timelines. In 2022, Cook County reported a sharp increase in petitions for expungement, reflecting growing awareness of these legal options.
An Illinois expungement lawyer ensures that petitions are filed correctly. Small errors—such as missing certified documents—can delay relief for years. For clients relying on seasonal hiring or stable housing, time is not something to waste.
Working with a criminal defense attorney in Chicago provides clarity on eligibility and avoids costly mistakes. To learn more about timelines and case types, review McDermott Law’s FAQs.
Even when Criminal Records are sealed or expunged, bias can remain. Employers and landlords may question gaps in a resume or rental history, which makes preparation essential.
Practical strategies that help rebuild trust include:
Emphasize certifications, technical skills, and recent training so employers and landlords see your current strengths rather than old gaps.
Illinois law allows applicants to deny sealed or expunged records, but preparing a calm and confident response can make discussions more credible when questions arise.
Strong letters from supervisors, mentors, or community leaders provide outside validation and help overcome hesitation from decision-makers.
People often begin searching for a criminal attorney near me when they realize that clearing a record is only part of the process. McDermott Law Group goes further than filing petitions. Our attorneys guide clients through the next steps—building presentation strategies, reinforcing professional credibility, and giving individuals the confidence to move forward in both housing and employment.
Opportunities shouldn’t be lost to background checks or unfair denials. Sealing or expunging Criminal Records could open new doors.
Contact us today to start building the future you deserve with a team that stands behind every client.
Working with a Chicago criminal attorney ensures compliance with every step of Illinois’ expungement or sealing process. Denials often occur because petitions lack supporting documents, or because applicants misunderstand eligibility requirements. A lawyer can avoid these pitfalls, saving years of waiting.
One client shared his relief after a case dismissal:
“As a client who recently faced a UUW charge, I am beyond grateful for the incredible service provided by Michael McDermott and Irena Stefanovski from McDermott Law Group. From our first consultation to the final resolution, her expertise, dedication, and compassion were truly remarkable. She got my case dismissed entirely.
Throughout the process, Irena kept me fully informed about the progress of my case and was always available to answer any questions or address concerns. Her calm demeanor and reassuring presence provided much-needed peace of mind during a tense and uncertain period.” – Robert Day
McDermott Law Group not only files petitions but also builds a narrative of rehabilitation that strengthens applications. For further guidance, see the firm’s Legal Tips.
Criminal Records can block access to housing, employment, and financial stability in Chicago. During the holiday season, when retail hiring and rental changes peak, the impact of an old record becomes even harder to ignore. Expungement, record sealing, and skilled legal advocacy create new opportunities and keep those doors from staying closed.
McDermott Law Group provides Criminal Defense and record-clearing services led by an experienced criminal defense attorney in Chicago, helping restore opportunities and protect your future. Our attorneys go beyond legal filings—we work with clients to rebuild trust, strengthen their standing, and secure lasting second chances.
📱 Stay connected through Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for updates and resources from our team.
Your past doesn’t have to define your future.
Our attorneys are ready to protect your rights, clear your record, and help you move forward with confidence.
📞 Call (833) MCD-WINS or Schedule a consult today with McDermott Law Group.
This article was legally reviewed by the attorneys at McDermott Law Group, a Chicago-based firm focused on criminal defense, DUI, injury, and rideshare accident cases. With decades of combined courtroom experience, our team ensures every article reflects current legal standards and delivers practical, trustworthy guidance.
➤ Meet David McDermott and Irena Stefanovski to see how we advocate for clients across Illinois.
