Chicago Criminal lawyer comments on how dismissed criminal charges don't necessarily clear one's name

This Chicago Criminal lawyer has posted here about the collateral consequences of an arrest. She's also posted here about expungement of arrests where charges are dismissed. Now comes news that the newly minted Democratic nominee for Lt. Governor has to answer questions about an old arrest.

February 3, Chicago, IL

The newly minted Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor said Wednesday he doesn’t think a 2005 domestic battery arrest should hurt him in the fall general election, although records in the case raise questions about his version of events.

In their October 14 arrest report detailing the complaint from the 24-year-old woman, Chicago police noted they observed “mild abrasions from knife wound” on her neck. They also noted “minor scars on her hand from her trying to defend herself against the arrestee swinging the knife at her.” The report notes the woman was seen by ambulance personnel but not taken to a hospital.

The case was dropped a month later when the woman did not show up for a court date.

It just goes to show how easy it is for someone to be charged with a crime, even if they are ultimately set free.