Sealing is a way of limiting access to your criminal record. Sealing means the record is kept confidential and can only be accessed for limited purposed related to law enforcement and sentencing.

The state of Illinois has up to 60 days to object to your Petition to Expunge or Petition to Seal. The speed of processing within your jurisdiction can also be a factor. Provided there are no objections and the petition is processed within a reasonable amount of time, three to four months is a solid estimate.

Online filing or e-filing is available if you are requesting to expunge a "Released Without Charge" disposition police record. All other dispositions must be filed in person.

Expungement and sealing are two different options that remove records from public view. Expungement erases the record so that it's like it never happened. Sealing means that it is just hidden from most of the public's view, but certain agencies and employers can still see it.

o Step 1: Get copies of your criminal records. o Step 2: Review your criminal records and figure out if you can apply for expungement or sealing. o Step 3: Fill out the expungement and/or sealing form. o Step 4: File the form to begin the process.

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.

In Illinois, you can seal almost all felonies. Over the last several years, Illinois felony expungement law has expanded to include most criminal cases. When you seal your record, it gets hidden from the general public, employers, licensing agencies, and landlords. Your record will also not appear on background checks.