Criminal Division

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The Criminal Division hears felony trial cases in the City of Chicago. Felony cases are defined as those criminal offenses carrying possible prison terms of more than one year. Matters concerning habeas corpus, petitions to expunge, petitions to seal, post-conviction relief, the filing of notice of appeals, identity theft, certificate of good conduct and an array of motions for felony trial cases in the City of Chicago are heard by judges assigned to this division. Suburban districts maintain the records for felony cases heard in their respective locations. Felony matters at preliminary hearing level can be heard in several Branch Courts located throughout the City of Chicago, or in suburban locations.

Records Maintained

Content: Files that have been impounded by order of court are only available for review with a specific judicial order. Case files contain:
  • The indictment or information complaint
  • The memorandum of orders (half sheet)
  • Names of witnesses or other persons involved
  • Name of Jurors
  • Jury instructions
  • Appealed cases may contain transcripts and trial proceedings
  • Impounded Evidence (not in court files)

Files available at the Criminal Division:

  • Microfilm, alphabetical listing by defendant
  • Court files for the current year - priot 2 years
  • Felony trial matters heard in the City of Chicago for two years

All remaining Criminal Division Records must be ordered via Record Center per the Customer Service Counter in the Criminal Division

Note:
  • Electronic docket information may be obtained via Public Access Terminals located in each office
  • Physical files must be obtained per each district, division or department.
  • Images may be obtained per the Clerk’s Office electronic docket in all locations.

Please consult manager/customer service staff in each location.
*Copy fees apply.
Resources

Circuit Court of Cook County
Information about court organization, court locations, judge information, court holidays and the trial process can be found at the Circuit Court website.

Circuit Court Rules and Orders
Rules and General Orders of the Circuit Court of Cook County, which govern the structure and processes of the Circuit Court; and selected General Administrative Rules and Orders of the court, which are issued by the Chief Judge.

Cook County Sheriff’s Office - Department of Corrections
Primarily holding pre-trial detainees, the Department admits approximately roughly 100,000 detainees annually and averages a daily population of 9,000.

Descriptive Guide
Descriptive Guide

Glossary of Legal Terms

Illinois Code of Civil Procedure
CIVIL PROCEDURE (735 ILCS 5/) Code of Civil Procedure.

Illinois Code of Criminal Procedure – 725 ILCS 5/
725 ILCS 5/Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963

Illinois Supreme Court Rules
Illinois Supreme Court's list of Illinois Supreme Court Rules

Municipality Fees (705 ILCS 105/27.2)

Smart Kiosk Guide
Download the guide to learn how to get your court information using our new SmartKiosk located at the Criminal Court House.

Case Types
Extradition
The surrender of an accused to another state or nation with jurisdiction to try the accused and which has demanded his or her return.
Habeas Corpus
Writs issued to bring a party before the court.
Petitions for post
Conviction relief.
Petitions to Expunge
To cancel out or destroy completely records or arrests.
Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is my next court date?
A: Criminal Division staff is available to check the case number or perform a name check in the computer to determine court dates.


Q: When will I get my bond refund?
A: A customer can expect a bond refund within 4 to 6 weeks of the final disposition. The Criminal Division will prepare the bond refund documents, which is then forwarded to the Accounting Department to be audited and processed.


Q: How much is bond for my relative or friend?
A: Criminal Division staff is available to check the case number or perform a name check in the computer to determine the bond amount.


Q: How do I expunge OR seal my record?
A: In order to have a record expunged or sealed, the applicant must complete the appropriate forms which can be obtained from any of our Clerk’s Office locations. If your case was a Chicago arrest, you can file in either of the following locations. If your case was a suburban arrest, you must file in the suburban district with the jurisdictions of that suburb.


Q: Where do I appear in Court?
A: With the appropriate case number or defendant’s name this information can be obtained by the Criminal Division staff or by following our phone prompts. There are also self-service kiosks located on the 1st Floor lobby of the Criminal Division. Please be advised that an information booth is available for further assistance, if required.


View All Criminal Division Frequently Asked Questions

Knowledgebase Articles

Article: Filing of Habeas Corpus - Emergency

An Emergency Habeas Corpus is filed when the moving party, Assistant State's Attorney, Public Defender, or private attorney determine that a defendant is being held illegally.

Article: Filing of Habeas Corpus - Ad Testificandum

To file the motion, come to the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Administration Building, 2650 South California Avenue, Room 526, Chicago, IL 60608.

Article: Reviewing Case Files

The Criminal Division Office is located in the Administration Building, 2650 South California Avenue, Room 526, Chicago, IL 60608.

Article: Obtaining a Certified Copy of Disposition

In order to obtain a certified disposition of a case, the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County needs the defendant's name, date of birth, and date of arrest.

Article: Obtaining a Criminal History Search

There are three ways to request a Criminal History search.

Legal Notices Specific for this department | View all Legal Notices