How to Clear Your Criminal Record

People with qualifying arrests and convictions may petition the Court of their sentencing county for an expungement or sealing of their records. The office of the Illinois State Appellate Defender provides information to the public about how to expunge/seal a criminal case. You can visit both the Illinois Supreme Court and the Illinois State Appellate Defender’s websites for more information and the necessary forms for expungement and/or sealing.  

• The filing fee for expungement/sealing is $215.00, which covers the cost of filing the petition, copy fees, mailing and postage fees for required notices, and fees to the Illinois State Police.
• There is no fee to file a petition to expunge a juvenile record. Juvenile Expungement information and forms
• You will need to provide all mailing addresses for recipients receiving notice – this will include the Illinois State Police and every police agency that was involved in all cases you list on your petition.
• Agencies have 60 days to file an objection after receiving your Request to Expunge or Seal.  The Circuit Clerk will set up a court date approximately 80-90 days from the initial filing date to allow time for agencies to respond.