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Criminal Record Expungement

IllinoisCriminal Expungement

Learn how to clear arrests and convictions from your criminal record in Illinois.

Clean Slate State

Illinois has automatic expungement laws. Some eligible records may be cleared without filing a petition.

At a Glance

FreeFiling Fee
YesFee Waiver
YesClean Slate
Check Eligibility →

Legal Terminology in Illinois

Expungement

expungement

Sealing

sealing

Eligibility Requirements

General requirements for criminal record expungement in Illinois.

Generally Eligible

Arrests not leading to conviction
Acquittals (not guilty verdicts)
Dismissals (charges dropped)
Successfully completed supervision orders (after 2-year wait)
Successfully completed qualified probation
Convictions reversed or vacated by court
Pardoned convictions (if pardon authorizes expungement)
Cannabis convictions eligible under special provisions

Generally Not Eligible

Permanently Ineligible for Expungement or Sealing

  • DUI and related driving offenses
  • Sex offenses (except prostitution and misdemeanor public indecency)
  • Offenses requiring sex offender registration
  • Domestic violence convictions
  • Animal cruelty offenses
  • Serious violent crimes (murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery with great harm)
  • Convictions with 4+ priors for the same offense
  • Offenses where victim was under 18 (in many cases)

Limitations and Special Rules

  • Only ONE felony conviction can be sealed per person (subsequent felonies cannot be sealed)
  • Judge can unseal prior felony convictions if subsequent felonies occur
  • Reckless driving cannot be expunged for anyone over 25
  • Class X felonies generally not eligible unless specifically enumerated

Waiting Periods

Arrests without convictionNo waiting period
Supervision orders (most offenses)2 years
Supervision orders (educational degree waiver)Waived if degree obtained during supervision

Waiting periods typically start from completion of sentence, including probation.

The Process

1

Verify Sealing Eligibility

Important: Convictions are SEALED in Illinois, not expunged (except pardons). Confirm you meet eligibility requirements.

30 minutes - 1 hour
2

Gather Court Records and Proof of Completion

Collect all documentation needed for your sealing petition

1-2 weeks
3

Request Your Criminal History (RAP Sheet)

Get your official criminal history from Illinois State Police

2-3 weeks for results
4

Complete the Sealing Petition Forms

Fill out the standardized sealing forms

2-3 hours
5

File Your Sealing Petition

Submit your petition to the circuit court

1-2 hours at courthouse
6

Serve Required Parties

Ensure State's Attorney and Illinois State Police receive copies

1 week
7

Attend Court Hearing (if required)

Some counties schedule hearings for sealing petitions

Varies by court - typically 60-120 days after filing
8

Receive Your Sealing Order

Once granted, the court issues a sealing order

2-4 weeks after order is granted

Legal Resources

Illinois Legal Aid Online

Free guided interview tool (Easy Form) to complete expungement and sealing forms. Walks you through the process step-by-step.

Office of the State Appellate Defender - Expungement

Official state resource with comprehensive information, forms, and instructions for expungement and sealing.

Illinois Courts - Expungement Forms

Supreme Court approved standardized forms for expungement and sealing. Required to be accepted in all Illinois courts.

Cook County Circuit Court - Expungements for Adults

Cook County specific information and procedures for adult expungement cases.

Cook County Clerk - Expungement Resources

Cook County Circuit Clerk resources including forms, brochures, and information.

Cabrini Green Legal Aid - Expungement Help Desk

FREE walk-in help desk at Daley Center (50 W Washington St, Room 1006, Chicago). Open Mon-Wed 9am-12pm. May prepare same-day petitions based on capacity.

Legal Aid Chicago - Criminal Records Relief

Free legal assistance for eligible individuals. Call 312-229-6071 for criminal records relief help.

Cook County Public Defender - Expungement Information

Information about expungement and sealing from the Cook County Public Defender's office.

Illinois State Police - Criminal History Records

Request your criminal history (RAP sheet) from ISP. Required for most expungement/sealing petitions.

Clean Slate Illinois

Information about the Illinois Clean Slate Act and automatic sealing implementation. FAQ about how automatic sealing will work.

Legal Authority

20 ILCS 2630/5.2

Criminal Identification Act - Expungement and Sealing

View source →
20 ILCS 2630/12

Effect of Expungement/Sealing

View source →
HB 1836 (2023)

Illinois Clean Slate Act

View source →

Eligibility Timeline Calculator

Find out exactly when you can file for expungement

📋 My Cases

Track your expungement progress across multiple cases

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Add your first case to start tracking your expungement progress

Need More Help?

Consider consulting with a legal aid organization or attorney for personalized guidance.

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Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a qualified attorney for advice about your specific situation.