Areas of Practice

Criminal Defense

The Law Office of Hannah Garst represents criminal defendants charged with misdemeanors and felonies involving fraud and financial crimes, white-collar crimes, traffic, drugs, and weapons. We also handle appeals and issues related to sentencing and restitution.

Civil Law

Hannah Garst acts as co-counsel or provides consulting services to other attorneys who need assistance with complex federal civil cases. Hannah’s extensive experience in federal court along with her strong writing ability make her a unique asset to attorneys who need help drafting legal documents in complex cases.

Expungement & Clemency

  • Expungement destroys the records of arrests, court supervisions, and some types of probation. All acquittals, dismissals, and satisfactorily completed non-conviction sentences are eligible to be expunged. Expungement in Illinois results in all of the records in your case being removed and destroyed, including all records in the possession of the Illinois State Police. 

  • If a record cannot be expunged, it may be eligible to be sealed. Many misdemeanors and felonies can be sealed. When a record is sealed, it cannot be seen by most employers or other members of the public. Your record can still be seen by law enforcement agencies. Employers who are legally required to conduct background checks can see sealed felony convictions, but they cannot see sealed misdemeanor convictions or cases not resulting in convictions. 

  • If a prior criminal record cannot be expunged or sealed, you may be eligible to obtain a finding by a court that you have been "rehabilitated." Both certificates limit the civil and criminal liability of an employer who wishes to hire you.

    • Certificate of Good Conduct- This certificate may help you overcome barriers to being hired. This includes employment by Illinois Schools, Metropolitan Transit Authority, and local park districts. You may be able to get the certificate if it has been two years since you successfully completed your sentence, and you have not been convicted of a Class X Felony, aggravated DUI, aggravated domestic battery, or a forcible felony resulting in great bodily harm.

    • Certificate of Relief from Disabilities- This Certificate allows you to obtain a professional license for certain professions, such as a barber, cosmetology, real estate agent, roofer, engineer, accountant, therapist, and more. You may be eligible to obtain the certificate if you have not been convicted of a Class X Felony, aggravated DUI, aggravated domestic battery, or a forcible felony resulting in great bodily harm.

  • If a criminal conviction remains on your record, you may petition the governor for clemency. Clemency may include a request for a pardon and/or expungement. Clemency petitions are most successful after a significant period of time has passed since you were convicted of the offense, and you can demonstrate a significant life change.