What exactly is an Illinois Sealing?
Unlike expungement, your records are not destroyed; instead, the arresting agency (for example, Chicago Police), the Illinois State Police and the Clerk’s Office seal the record and remove your name from the electronic index. Government agencies can still access the file but only a judicial order can allow the public to view the record. For purposes of a criminal background check by a general prospective employer, sealing will be sufficient and your name cannot be publicly accessed at the courthouse. Be careful, however, if you are applying for a government job.
