Cook County Expungement FAQ


If you’re living in Cook County, the expungement rules are the same as they are in DuPage, Lake and Will Counties; in fact, they’re the same all over Illinois.

But what are those rules? Could you be eligible for expungement, and if you are, how do you go about getting it done?

This quick expungement FAQ should point you in the right direction.

What convictions can be expunged from a criminal record in Cook County?

A handful of misdemeanors (and in rare cases, Class 3 and Class 4 felonies) can be expunged from your record. Some examples include:

  • Possession of cannabis
  • Possession of a controlled substance
  • Retail theft
  • Domestic battery
  • Criminal sexual abuse

One of the biggest determining factors in whether you are eligible for expungement is the type of sentence you received at the conclusion of your case.

If you have no conviction and your case resulted in an acquittal or dismissal, or a handful of other dispositions, you may also qualify for expungement.

How do I find out if I qualify for expungement in Illinois?

We can help you determine whether you’re eligible for expungement. Just provide a few answers on our questionnaire: Do I Qualify for Expungement?

Where do I get my criminal history?

To make things simpler, you can have a lawyer perform a background check for you. You can also get in touch with the arresting agency to determine what procedures they follow for releasing criminal records.

What if I don’t have my entire criminal history?

It’s important that you bring your entire criminal history to your Chicago expungement lawyer. That’s because qualifying for expungement depends on all of the other things on your record. Having your lawyer pull your criminal background report may be more effective at ensuring you have all of the information you need.

Could You Be Eligible for Expungement?

Call the Law Offices of M. Fakhoury at 847-920-4540 or contact us online for a free consultation. We may be able to help you clear your record and get the fresh start that you deserve.