If you live in Chicago and you’re ready to have your criminal record expunged so you can get the fresh start you deserve, you’re most likely going to need your Cook County arrest record.
But what is your arrest record, and where do you get it?
What is a Cook County Arrest Record?
In Cook County, your arrest record is known as your “RAP” sheet. (It’s your “Record of Arrests and Prosecutions.”)
It contains all the information the county has compiled on your arrests and prosecutions, and it’s a necessary document if you want to expunge your criminal record.
Where Do You Get Your Cook County Arrest Record?
If you live in Chicago, you can get your arrest record at the Chicago Police Department’s main office. (t’s located at 3510 South Michigan Avenue.
In order to get your Cook County arrest record, the police will need to see your valid driver’s license or ID card. You’ll also have to fill out a “Request for Access and Review” form and submit to fingerprinting. The police charge a fee (it’s $16 as of today) that you can pay by check, credit card, money order, or cash.
You can pick up your record between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. five business days after you originally filled out the form and paid the fee, as long as you completed all the steps of the process correctly. If you don’t pick up your record within a month, you’ll have to start the whole process over (and pay the processing fee again).
Only you are allowed to pick up your Cook County arrest record. You can’t send a family member or friend to do it for you, and you must keep the receipt the police gave you when you paid the fee or they won’t release your records.
Do You Need to Talk to a Lawyer About Expungement in Chicago?
You can find out whether you’re eligible for criminal record expungement by answering a few quick questions. If you are, we may be able to help you get a fresh start.
Call us at 847-920-4540 right away (or set up your free case evaluation online) and tell us about your situation. We’ll start developing a strategy that gets you the best possible outcome.
