If you’re like many people with a criminal record, you know there are some options available to you to clear it. Sealing is one of those options. But who can see a sealed record in Illinois?

Here’s what you need to know.

Who Can See a Sealed Record in Illinois?

Sealed records – unlike expunged records – are kept confidential… for the most part. Thee general public will not normally be able to see any criminal records that you have sealed. That means if someone does an ordinary background check on you, they’re unlikely to see that you have a criminal record – and they certainly won’t be able to see any of the details involved.

However, some people can still see sealed records in Illinois. That includes law enforcement officers, court officials, and some employers, such as the military and some healthcare-related companies. However, the general public can’t get ahold of your criminal records if they’re sealed.

That’s a lot different from expungement. If your records are expunged, the agencies that have them must destroy them or return them to you. That means there aren’t any agencies that will even have copies of your criminal records – and there’s nothing for anyone to see.

However, not every criminal record is eligible for expungement. Some are only eligible for criminal record sealing. Your record will determine what you can do; some people can choose between sealing and expungement.

Are You Thinking About Expunging or Sealing Your Criminal Record?

DIY criminal record sealing, or do-it-yourself criminal record sealing, is a process that you do yourself rather than hiring an attorney to do it for you. You can do your own criminal record sealing petition without paying a lawyer. In fact, we have a full suite of tools you can use to seal your criminal record on your own so that you don’t have to pay an attorney.

In our DIY sealing service, you’ll get:

  • Instant access to all the forms you need to seal your record ANYWHERE in Illinois
  • Step-by-step instructions on how to fill out and file your forms (in video and text formats)
  • Directions on where to file your forms for your jurisdiction
  • Exclusive access to a messaging system you can use to contact an attorney for free while you’re working through your own sealing case

Ready?

Seal your own criminal record in Illinois now!