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Free Expungement Help in Illinois

Last reviewed: May 27, 2026

Illinois passed the Clean Slate Act in 2025, making it the 13th state with automatic record sealing. If you have an eligible non-violent misdemeanor, you may not need to do anything — the state will seal it automatically after the waiting period. That said, the automatic program doesn't cover everything. Cannabis convictions that weren't caught in the automatic sweep, and most felonies, still need a petition. New Leaf Illinois / CARPLS is the state-funded organization specifically set up to handle Cook County record clearing — start there if you're in or near Chicago.

Important: This page provides general legal information about expungement and record sealing laws. It is not legal advice for your specific situation. Eligibility rules vary by state, county, and individual circumstances. Always consult a licensed attorney before taking any legal action.

✅ Clean Slate / Automatic Sealing

Yes — Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (2019) requires automatic expungement of qualifying cannabis convictions. Illinois Clean Slate Act signed 2025 (HB 4654) adds automatic sealing for eligible non-violent misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period.

How to get a fee waiver in Illinois

File Application for Waiver of Court Fees with your petition. Cook County also runs free expungement summits where filing fees are waived entirely for all attendees.

Fee waivers (also called Affidavit of Indigency or In Forma Pauperis petition) are typically available if your household income is at or below 125–200% of the federal poverty level, or if you currently receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, TANF, or veterans benefits based on need.

Verified free legal aid organizations in Illinois

Every organization below is a verified non-profit or government-affiliated legal aid program. None are paid services. Always confirm your eligibility directly with the organization.

Free expungement help by city in Illinois

Free expungement resources vary significantly by metro area. Here's what's available in the largest cities, including clinic schedules and local contacts.

Chicago / Cook County

Cook County has the most expungement infrastructure of any county in Illinois. The State's Attorney's Help Desk operates at the Daley Center and can answer eligibility questions without an attorney. New Leaf Illinois (run by CARPLS) is a state-funded program specifically covering Cook County record clearing — this should be your first call if you live in Chicago or the suburbs. Cook County also runs three to four free expungement summits per year where fees are waived and attorneys process petitions on-site.

Springfield / Central Illinois

Land of Lincoln covers the central and southern parts of the state including Sangamon, McLean, and surrounding counties. If you can't come in person, Illinois Legal Aid Online has a free guided expungement tool that generates the court forms.

Rockford / Northern Illinois (outside Cook)

Prairie State covers the northern Illinois collar counties (excluding Cook): Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Kane, Kendall, Lee, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside, Winnebago. They handle expungement and sealing cases and run periodic free clinics in Rockford and Waukegan.

Illinois free expungement — frequently asked questions

Does Illinois Clean Slate 2025 automatically clear my record?

The 2025 Clean Slate Act (HB 4654) creates automatic sealing for eligible non-violent misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period. The program is phasing in — not all records are sealed immediately. Cannabis convictions under the 2019 CRTA have been automatically expunged in separate batches. If you're unsure whether your record has been addressed, run a free background check through Illinois State Police or call New Leaf Illinois / CARPLS.

What is the Cook County Expungement Help Desk?

It's a walk-in assistance center operated by the Cook County State's Attorney's Office at the Daley Center in Chicago. Staff can review your record, tell you what's eligible, help you complete the petition, and in some cases waive the filing fee. No attorney is required to visit — it is open to any Cook County resident.

Can I expunge a felony in Illinois?

Some Class 4 felonies are eligible for expungement after a waiting period under the 2019 reforms. First-time drug offenses are often eligible. More serious felonies are generally eligible for sealing but not expungement. An attorney at Cabrini Green Legal Aid or CVLS can review whether your specific felony qualifies.

More Illinois expungement resources