Second Chance Summit

The Clerk of the Circuit Court Mariyana Spyropoulos presents the 2025 Second Chance Summit on Saturday, October 11 from 8:30AM to 4:00PM at Proviso Math and Science Academy. This is an opportunity for community members to begin the process of expunging or sealing their criminal records, as well as participate in a resource and job fair.

 To prepare for the summit, please read all the information below. 

What is the Second Chance Summit? 

This is a one-day event to help individuals begin the process of expunging or sealing their criminal records. Volunteer attorneys will be on site, and a resource fair will offer job opportunities and valuable information. 

What is Expungement and Sealing? 

To “expunge” a record means that law enforcement agencies will physically destroy the records and remove the petitioner’s name from any official index or public record. The court clerk does not physically destroy the records, but impounds records relating to arrests and charges that a court orders expunged. Expunged records do not appear in background checks. To “seal” a record means to make the records unavailable to the public without a court order. Police agencies and prosecutors will continue to have access to records, but your name will be unavailable for the sealed record in the Clerk’s Office’s electronic docket system. Employers required by law to do fingerprint background checks such as school and hospitals, can still access sealed felony convictions. Please note: the FBI also receives a copy of your criminal record that it will keep in a file of your criminal history. The criminal records kept by the FBI are not subject to Illinois’ expungement and sealing statues and can not be expunged or sealed. (For example, applying for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry) 

What qualifies for an Expungement?

 You may qualify for an expungement if you have a conviction for the following:

  •  Dismissals, acquittals, or release without charging (or RWOC) 
  • Supervision or when a court order holds a case open and conditions of supervision must be met 
  • 710-1410 Probation or first-offender drug probation that was terminated satisfactorily 
  • Treatment Alternative for Safe Communities or TASC Probation 
  • Second Chance Probation or when a court order holds a case open for at least a 24-mont probation period 
  • Offender Initiative Program or when a court suspends proceedings and a person much refrain from criminal activity, obtain employment, etc. to complete the program 

You can’t expunge the following: 

  • DUI convictions 
  • Sex offenses involving minors (e.g., sexual abuse of a minor) 
  • Reckless driving (unless youthful offender exception applies) 

 

Effective August 27, 2017, the Illinois legislature expanded the sealing of criminal records and of minors prosecuted as adults. All misdemeanor and felony convictions are eligible to be sealed EXCEPT the following: 

  • Domestic battery and violations of protection orders and stalking no contact orders 
  • Violations of the Humane Care for Animals Act (Class A misdemeanor and above) 
  • Most sex crimes (except prostitution and some misdemeanors) 
  • DUI and reckless driving (unless youthful offender exception applies) 

How to get your RAP Sheet 

If your arrests were in the City of Chicago, you will need to obtain your RAP sheet from the Chicago Police Department Headquarters. 

  • Call (312) 746-6000 to schedule an appointment 
  • Go to 3510 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 
  • Bring a valid photo ID 
  • Be prepared to pay a fee (cash or money order only) 

If your arrests were outside Chicago or across multiple areas, you will need to obtain a Statewide Criminal History Report from the Illinois State Police (ISP). 

  • Visit an ISP-approved fingerprint vendor 
  • Bring a valid photo ID 
  • Request a “Personal Review” 
  • Choose to have the results sent directly to you 

You can also request a statewide report in person at the CPD headquarters.

 

FAQs

    Am I going to talk to attorneys/who can give me information?

      There will be volunteer attorneys available at the event to provide legal advice and assist with preparing petitions for expungement and sealing. 

    Can I get services if I don’t have my RAP sheet or Criminal History Report?

    No; if you don’t have your rap sheet, you will not be able to begin the expungement/sealing process. However, you can receive a consultation on your case from a volunteer attorney. Additionally, you can still participate in our resource and job fair. 

    Are expungements going to be processed the day of the event?

     Yes! You will begin the process of filing your expungement or sealing paperwork at the event with the help of volunteer attorneys. 

    What if my case is in a different county?

     There will be volunteer attorneys onsite to assist with preparing petitions for out of county cases. They will provide instructions for filing the petitions within the county the case occurred in.

    Can a federal case be expunged?

    No; expungements are highly restricted at the federal level. Federal law doesn't offer a general process for expunging or sealing criminal records. 

    What is the waiting period?

    There are specific waiting periods after completion of sentences to get a record expunged or sealed, and the volunteer attorneys can guide you on those time frames. Once your petition has been filed, there can be a significant period of time before the petition is heard by the court. The State’s Attorney’s Office has 60 days from the filing of the petition to make an objection. Any further questions can be answered by the volunteer attorneys onsite. 

    How much does it cost to file?

     It costs $152.04 to file a petition to expunge or seal records and/or charges in Cook County. However, this fee can be waived by the court if you file a fee waiver application and appear in court for a hearing on your fee waiver. 

    Register Here

    Once you’ve obtained your RAP Sheet and/or your Criminal History Report, register here.