How long do felonies stay on your record in Illinois?
Asked by: Dr. Maximilian Cartwright | Last update: November 1, 2025Score: 5/5 (73 votes)
Having an arrest or conviction on your public record is more than embarrassing; it can affect your employment and housing options unless you are approved for a felony expungement. Since felony convictions stay on your criminal record for life, it is a good idea to do whatever it takes to have them removed legally.
Does a felony ever go away in Illinois?
Many individuals who are charged with misdemeanors and felonies do not realize that an arrest becomes part of your criminal record, regardless of the final outcome. Fortunately, you can have these records erased through the process of expungement. Before you begin the process, however, you must find out if you qualify.
Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years?
Under Cal. Civ. Code 1786.18(a)(7), California mandates that a conviction can't be reported when it's older than seven years. Arrests that didn't lead to convictions can't be reported regardless of how much time has elapsed.
Do felonies go away after 7 years?
Dismissed felony charges can usually be sealed or expunged right away. In California, a felony conviction stays on your record forever if you do not get it expunged. You may be eligible for an expungement if you did not serve time in state prison.
How much does it cost to get a felony expunged in Illinois?
Expunging Your Record ($375.00)
Includes locating your record, if necessary. Identifying which government entities the petitions and court orders must be sent to. Preparing petitions, orders, notices, and any corroborating documents.
📝HOW TO EXPUNGE FELONY CRIMINAL RECORD || 5 Steps
Will my expunged record show up on a background check in Illinois?
It must be a 5 panel drug test. What Happens After a Case Is Expunged or Sealed? Once a judge signs an order to expunge or seal, the Clerk of the Circuit Court will remove all records from their system including their public access system so the information does not appear on a background check.
Can 2 felonies be expunged?
You are barred from getting them expunged because you have more than one conviction on your record. There may be other options but it would involve the prosecutor for the county to agree to let you withdraw your pleas in the case or cases. You would need an attorney to help you with this and it would be a long shot .
Does a felony stay with you for life?
A felony will stay on your record forever in California unless you choose to take action and get the conviction removed. This is called the “expungement process” and generally requires the help of a legal representative to get underway.
How far back do most background checks go?
Employment background checks can typically go back as far as seven to ten years, though that timeframe can vary depending on the type of check, the position being applied for, industry regulations and state or local laws.
Can a felon get a passport?
Yes, a convicted felon can usually get a passport, but it depends on the felony and other factors: Felony typeSome felonies can automatically disqualify you from getting a passport, including: International drug trafficking Trafficking minors "Sex tourism" offenses Treason.
How far back does a background check go in Illinois?
Under Illinois law, there is no time restriction on how far back a background check may go in terms of identifying any criminal convictions.
What states are felon friendly?
- California.
- Colorado.
- Kansas.
- Maryland.
- Massachusetts.
- Montana.
- Nevada.
- New Hampshire.
What is the 7 year look back rule?
The FCRA's seven-year rule restricts the reporting of certain types of information for jobs paying less than a minimum salary threshold. Additionally, several states have seven-year restrictions on reporting criminal convictions.
What can felons not do in Illinois?
Statutes in the Personal activities category restrict convicted felons' ability to obtain drivers or recreational licensing; participate in government, political, and civic life; vote; and access public housing and educational grants.
How long are you considered a felon?
A felony charge will stay on your record for life. The only way to remove a felony from your record is through a strict process called expungement (more on expungement below).
How long can a felony case stay open in Illinois?
Felonies: The statute of limitations for most felonies in Illinois is three years. Misdemeanors: The statute of limitations for misdemeanors is 18 months.
Does your criminal record clear after 7 years?
Some people have the misconception that their criminal record will “clear” after a period of 7 years. This is a misnomer. Although your criminal record does not automatically clear after 7 years, you can take steps to have your case expunged or your record sealed.
What is a red flag on a background check?
A red flag in a background check is anything alarming or concerning about a person's past. This could be a history of breaking the law, lying about work experience or education, or other serious issues. However, not all red flags are the same. Some might be small and not that serious, depending on the job.
Can you pass a level 2 background check with a felony?
Potentially disqualifying offenses for a Level 2 background check include serious criminal convictions such as violent crimes like murder, assault, and kidnapping; sexual offenses like sexual assault and child molestation; and major drug-related crimes such as drug trafficking and drug manufacturing.
Does a felony show up after 20 years?
In general, a felony stays on your record forever unless you do something about it. That doesn't mean it will always show up when someone checks your background. There are also some California laws to help people with felony convictions who have served their time and stayed out of trouble.
Can you get a job with a felony?
A company may hire ex-offenders, but they may have a policy of terminating anyone for lying on their job application. It is up to you whether you tell an employer about your convictions. But, we believe that honesty is the best policy. Our experience shows that HOW you communicate this information makes the difference.
How to get a felony off your record in Illinois?
The expungement and sealing processes are nearly identical. First, you must file a petition and pay a fee with the circuit clerk in the county in which the arrests occurred or the charges were brought. If you were arrested or charged in multiple counties, then you must file a petition in each of those county.
Do felony charges ever go away?
Felonies stay on your criminal record for the rest of your life. However, if you seek expungement, it is possible to clear your record of the offense.
What is defined as a felony?
In US law, a felony is typically defined as a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than one year or by the death penalty. Misdemeanors, in contrast, are often defined as offenses punishable only by fines or by short terms of imprisonment in local jails.