Expungement of Criminal Record

When you are arrested or charged with an offense, a criminal record is created, even if you are found not guilty.  These criminal records can be viewed by the public, including potential employers.  Expungement erases arrests, court supervisions, and some types of probation from your criminal record.

There are different types of criminal records:

  • Court Disposition - The final judgment or outcome in a court case. There are no court dispositions for arrests or charges that did not lead to a court case.
  • RAP Sheet - List of all arrests, charges, and court case outcomes that happen by that arresting agency.
  • Illinois State Police RAP Sheet.


When an expungement is granted:

  • Both the arresting authority and the State Police Department remove your arrest record from their official files.
  • The Clerk removes your name from the public record and impounds the file.
  • The State Police Department forwards the cleared record to the FBI. The FBI will clear your record in their files also.
  • Even though your record is officially clear, the Department of Corrections and law enforcement agencies will still have access to the expunged record for offenses requiring a five-year waiting period only.
  • Your criminal record is only available by court order and no longer appears on background checks.


Arrests are serious and can have severe consequences. If received, it is important to contact Cartwright Law to help you fight any charges and expunge any criminal record, if you qualify.


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