The expression “there is no better time than the present”
was first recorded in 1562. The theologian John Trusler amplified the
expression by adding that “…a thousand unforeseen circumstances may interrupt
you at a future time. (Proverbs Exemplified, 1790)
A
little over 450 years later this expression holds even greater weight. With
record high unemployment, a serious pandemic and no clear end in sight, it
might be easy to rely on hope. While hope springs this is also an opportunity
to use this time to plan on the future, particularly if you have a criminal
record.
Illinois
law has “banned the box.” Employers can no longer immediately ask about a felony
conviction at the initial stages of a job application. That law simply delays
the inevitable question. What someone in that position should do, sooner rather
than later, is to see if that criminal record can be expunged or sealed. When
the economy opens up fully, there will be some serious competition for certain
jobs. Making sure a past mistake doesn’t hold you back protects your
opportunities. An expungement or sealing assures that whatever opportunity
comes your way is not lost because of a simple mistake from the past. Taking
that step now, when Courts want to move as many cases as they can before the full
reopening might provide a unique opportunity for you.
Preparing
for the end of the pandemic cannot start too soon. Don’t get caught later
thinking to yourself “I should have taken care of this sooner.” Don’t rely on a pocket full of posies – be
the one who took full advantage of this time to prepare for the future. There
really is no better time than the present.
We have
experienced lawyers who are ready to start the process of expunging your
arrest.