Felony Records Can Be Sealed

Sealing Felony Records

Illinois legislature has continued its trend of expanding the list of criminal offenses eligible for sealing.  Although certain Class 4 and Class 3 Felony records were already eligible for sealing, this could only be accomplished after obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility for Sealing.

Effective January 1, 2014, Illinois legislature removed this extra hurdle and expanded the list of Class 4 and Class 3 felony offenses that can be sealed following the requisite waiting period, without obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility.

Class 4 felony convictions now eligible for sealing:

• Prostitution;
• Possession of Cannabis;
• Possession of Controlled Substance;
• Offenses under Methamphetamine Act;
• Offenses under Steroid Act;
• Theft;
• Retail Theft;
• Deceptive Practices;
• Forgery
• Possession of Burglary Tools;

Class 3 felony convictions now eligible for sealing:

• Theft;
• Retail Theft
• Deceptive Practices;
• Forgery;
• Possession With Intent To Manufacture or Deliver a Controlled Substance.