Illinois Record Sealing Attorneys
Last updated: May 2026
Illinois has one of the broader sealing statutes in the country. Under 20 ILCS 2630/5.2, most misdemeanor convictions and many felony convictions can be sealed after a 3-year conviction-free waiting period from completion of sentence (or earlier in some categories). Sealing hides the record from most private employer and landlord background checks while preserving it for limited official use.
What can be sealed
Sealable offenses include most misdemeanors and a wide range of felonies — including certain Class 3 and Class 4 felonies, qualifying drug offenses, and qualifying property offenses. The statute identifies a defined list of non-sealable offenses, including DUI (625 ILCS 5/11-501), domestic battery, most sex offenses, and certain violent offenses against children. An attorney can confirm whether a specific offense and disposition qualify.
The filing process
A petition to seal under 20 ILCS 2630/5.2 is filed in the Circuit Court of the county where the case was prosecuted using the standardized statewide form. The petitioner must serve the State's Attorney, the arresting agency, the Illinois State Police, and any other agency that holds the record. The court may grant or deny relief in chambers or set a hearing if the State's Attorney objects.
What sealing means for you
Once sealed, the record is removed from public-access databases and is generally not visible to private employers or landlords running a standard background check. You may lawfully answer that the conviction did not occur on most applications. Healthcare employers, school districts, law enforcement agencies, and certain regulated professions still see sealed records under specific statutory carve-outs. Sealed records can be unsealed by court order in limited circumstances.
Cost and timing
Court filing fee: typically $120. Illinois State Police processing fee: $60. Most petitions take 4 to 6 months from filing to order. Fee waivers are available for petitioners under 400% of the federal poverty line. Attorney fees vary by attorney and case complexity — get a written quote before retaining counsel.
Frequently asked questions
Can a DUI be sealed in Illinois?
No. DUI convictions under 625 ILCS 5/11-501 are explicitly excluded from sealing in Illinois.
How long do I have to wait to seal a misdemeanor?
Generally 3 conviction-free years after the completion of sentence for most sealable misdemeanors. Some non-conviction outcomes (acquittals, dismissals) can be sealed immediately.
Does sealing destroy the record?
No. Sealing hides the record from most public view but preserves it for limited official use (law enforcement, courts, certain regulated employers). Expungement destroys the record entirely; eligibility for expungement is narrower than for sealing in Illinois.
Find an expungement attorney in Illinois
Browse verified attorneys in Illinois who handle record sealing cases. Every listing is built from Illinois State Bar public records.
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