How much does it cost to get a case expunged in Illinois?
Asked by: Abdul Lang | Last update: May 9, 2025Score: 5/5 (55 votes)
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.
How much does an expungement cost in Illinois?
Expunging Your Record ($375.00)
Preparing petitions, orders, notices, and any corroborating documents. Making court appearances and arguing your case before the judge and filing motions to reconsider, if necessary. The attorney's fee for expunging your record is $375.00.
Do I need a lawyer to expunge my record in Illinois?
You can usually expunge your record if you successfully completed the diversion program, supervision or your charge was dismissed. DO YOU NEED A LAWYER? You do not have to have a lawyer to seal or expunge your record, but you may decide to hire one to help with the process.
How long does Illinois expungement take?
Once the Order is signed, the Circuit Clerk has about 60 days to seal or expunge the cases from public record. For most Illinois counties, the process will take approximately 4 months. However, due to the number of individuals living in and near Chicago, the process for Cook County can take about 10 months.
How do I expunge my criminal record in Illinois for free?
A fee waiver allows you to file for free, or at a reduced cost. You must send a copy of your Motion and Notice of Motion forms to the State's Attorney, Arresting Agencies, Chief Legal Officer of the Unit of Local Government, and Illinois State Police. Learn more about filing a motion.
📝HOW TO EXPUNGE FELONY CRIMINAL RECORD || 5 Steps
What crimes are not expungeable Illinois?
- Reckless Driving (unless under 25 at the time of the offense and no other convictions for DUI or reckless driving)
- Driving Under the Influence.
- Domestic Battery.
- Violation of an Order of Protection.
- Violation of a Civil No-Contact Order.
- Violation of a Stalking No-Contact Order.
Can you pay to have your criminal record expunged?
The cost of an expungement varies greatly depending on the type of offense and the jurisdiction. Expunging a misdemeanor conviction will generally cost less than expunging a felony conviction. Court fees and attorney fees are some of the fees that anyone should expect to pay for an expungement.
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.
How to find out if your criminal record has been expunged?
You can contact the court that issued the expungement order to determine if your records have been successfully expunged or sealed.
Does Illinois have automatic expungement?
It is important to know that there is no automatic expungement of adult arrest or criminal court records in Illinois. Even if you were only arrested and never charged or your case was later dismissed or you were found not guilty, those records all exist until you actively seek to expunge them.
What is the new expungement law in Illinois?
Illinois became the 23rd state that will automatically expunge a juvenile's record in certain circumstances. The law will take effect on Jan. 1, 2025.
How much does a pardon cost in Illinois?
Illinois Pardon Cost
The processing of applying for a pardon in Illinois can be a costly one. It's not atypical for some attorneys in Illinois to charge upwards of $5,000 for clemency services.
Can you get your driving record expunged in Illinois?
Traffic expungements are only available in rare circumstances. However, even if you do not qualify, there are other potential strategies that can be employed to help alleviate the effects of traffic violations on your record. If you have moving violations on your record, contact our attorneys.
Can I get my record expunged twice?
Expungement Procedures
If a person wants to expunge records of multiple cases, he or she must file more than one petition. The judge must review the petitioner's file and determine whether he or she meets that jurisdiction's requirements.
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.
Can local police see expunged records?
Courts, law enforcement, prosecutors, and other criminal justice agencies can access expunged records for future criminal investigations and charging and sentencing decisions.
Will an expunged record show up on a federal background check?
A Level 2 FBI Background Check
A Level 2 check will even uncover those sealed or expunged records – especially if they involve the mistreatment of children, the elderly, or the disabled.
What felonies cannot be expunged in Illinois?
Violent Crimes encompass offenses such as murder, attempted murder, and aggravated battery. These crimes involve significant harm or threat of harm to individuals, making them ineligible for expungement. Convictions for a felony or misdemeanor offense also cannot be expunged.
How far back can a background check go in Illinois?
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go in Illinois? The FCRA limits reporting on any criminal arrests that failed to result in a conviction that occurred more than seven years ago. If the candidate is being considered for a position that pays a salary of at least $75,000 this time restriction does not apply.
How long does a background check stay on your record?
If this is not the case, the maximum allowed reportable period the state of California is seven years. Even in states with no lookback limitations, there may still be a lack of publicly available records dating back more than seven years.
What does expunge do?
In the common law legal system, an expungement or expunction proceeding, is a type of lawsuit in which an individual who has been arrested for or convicted of a crime seeks that the records of that earlier process be sealed or destroyed, making the records nonexistent or unavailable to the general public.
Can I file an expungement myself in Illinois?
To file an expungement or sealing petition in person, you must go to the courthouse in the county (or district) that has your records. Hand your petition directly to the circuit court clerk and pay the filing fee.
Can a judge see an expunged record?
If you are arrested again for another crime, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and the criminal court may still be able to see your expunged records. The court can use your prior conviction against you as allowed by state and federal law.
Do felonies go away after 7 years in Illinois?
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.
How much does it cost to get your record expunged in Illinois?
1. How much does it cost? Getting your record expunged or sealed will cost you a filing fee at the courthouse plus $60 for the Illinois State Police. Some local law enforcement agencies may also charge a processing fee.