Illinois Criminal Records

The Illinois Uniform Conviction Information Act defines criminal records as an individual's prior and subsequent criminal history interactions. This includes information collected per Section 4.5 of the Criminal Identification Act. This summation includes but is not limited to the notations of arrest, filed charges, imposed sentences, detention, indictments, proceedings, trials, fines, probation, conviction, parole, release, and other relevant events in the criminal justice system. A person's information is no longer considered a "criminal record" once a guilty verdict is reversed or deleted.

Illinois criminal records may include personal identification information like the subject's full name, social security number, and date of birth. Physical descriptors like their height, weight, eye, and hair color, scars, tattoos, aliases, fingerprints, mugshots, and related details are also included. The Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification (ISP) is the state's central repository for criminal records.

Law enforcement agencies may review a person's criminal records for justice purposes and court proceedings, including arresting state fugitives and offenders. For safety and transparency in the criminal justice system, they are often used to determine a person's eligibility for professional licensing, housing, acquiring loans, government aides, and weapons permits.

Are Criminal Records Public in Illinois?

Yes. Criminal records are public in Illinois, but several exceptions impact the public's access. Enacted on January 1, 1991, the Uniform Conviction Information Act (UCIA) mandates the public disclosure of all criminal history record conviction information compiled and maintained by the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification, per 20 ILCS 2635/1 et seq.

The Act establishes a few guidelines:

• To fully support law enforcement and ongoing criminal investigation;
• To ensure that criminal records are easily accessible within appropriate time frames;
• To support the dissemination of criminal records maintained by the state;
• To guarantee the accuracy and completeness of criminal records;
• For prompt and effective correction of errors and room for redress of grievances on inaccurate or incomplete criminal information.

This Act applies only to criminal history information mandated to be reported, maintained, or disseminated by the Illinois State Police.

Hence, all criminal and non-criminal parties shall have access to examine or reproduce these records to the extent that the Illinois statutes might create specific restrictions on the disclosure of a person's criminal history information.

Illinois Crime Records by County

Illinois crime records document the occurrences of criminal events, demographics, and rates in the state reported and maintained by local or state government services.

The Illinois Uniform Crime Reporting Program provides accurate insights into the crime records prepared and submitted by the county police departments and sheriff's offices. For example, the published 2021 Uniform Crime Report provides comprehensive statistics on the following:

• Crime Statistics
• Reporting agencies
• Crime index/rate
• Index Crime Offense Classification
• Index Crime Offense Scoring
• Index Crime and Drug Offense Arrest Data
• Index crime offense and arrest comparison

Individuals can find a compilation of Illinois crime records by county via the index crime page, including index crime offenses, arrests, and associated crime rates per 100,000 inhabitants.

Illinois Criminal Record Check

To conduct an Illinois criminal record check or obtain a criminal history transcript (printed record of criminal history record information), inquirers may query the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification or the county sheriff.

Regardless of the department holding the record, the following steps are required:

• Visit the record holder's office or a licensed fingerprint vendor during regular business hours;
• Submit fingerprints and other necessary identification information (an address or mail for receiving the transcript);
• Pay the processing fee except if it is waived;
• The agency shall send the provided data to the Illinois State Police;
• The ISP shall process the criminal history transcript. Typically, the ISP shall forward the transcript, if found, with a Record Challenge form or a written statement if the record is not found.

If nobody retrieves the transcript within 45 days after notification, the facility or agency may destroy the criminal history transcript or statement.

Where an applicant requires an individual's conviction information in fulfillment of background checks for employment or licensing purposes, the following steps apply:

• Obtain and fill out a Conviction Information Request form
• Pay the required processing fee
• Submit a signed 2-year document signed by the record holder
• Provide the identification information of the named individual

The record holder must notify the BOI within 7 working days regarding receipt of such details and a request if the furnished information needs to be updated or completed. The Bureau of Identification provides more details on fingerprint-based conviction information checks.

Requesters can also conduct background checks at the local police department or county sheriff. Each agency typically publishes information on its processes and procedures for obtaining records.

Find Criminal Records Online in Illinois

Inquirers can find criminal records online in Illinois through the Criminal History Information Response Process (CHIRP). However, criminal information on this portal is restricted to Illinois law enforcement agencies or an authorized user. Anyone seeking to find criminal records online must enroll with the ISP to be issued a Digital Certificate or ID.

Free Criminal Record Search in Illinois

Members of the public can perform free criminal record searches on third-party aggregator websites. Typically, users can search using the record holder's name, address, or the record custodian's name. However, most websites require a processing fee to provide complete criminal information and printed copies. Inquirers may pay per report or subscribe to a provided plan.

What Does it Mean if You Have a Criminal Record in Illinois?

Having a criminal record in Illinois means a person's freedom to pursue or obtain certain needs is limited. Their access to licenses, professional permits, school admission, visas, loans, and lease/rental agreements is restricted. It may also attract a social stigma and deportation (where they are non-citizens) even when their charges are dropped or sentences are fully served.

Illinois Department of Human Rights, thus, imposes conviction record protection as a layer of protection for criminal record holders. This means a criminal record holder cannot be unfairly discharged, denied promotions or employment, and disciplined without notice. Anyone who receives discrimination in the workplace based on a criminal record history may file a charge with the Illinois Department of Human Rights. Despite the DHR's attempt to ensure fair treatment, it is nearly impossible for a person's criminal records to be strictly concealed from public access.

Does Your Criminal Record Clear After 7 Years in Illinois?

No, a person's criminal record does not clear after 7 years in Illinois. A person's criminal record can be seen and accessed by the public unless they are sealed or expunged.

Arrest Record Vs Criminal Record

An arrest record comprises information about an arrestee. It details their name, date of birth, physical descriptors, list of charges, types of crime, location of arrest, case number, and other details related to the arrest. This record does not include the arrest's disposition or filed charges. On the other hand, a criminal record is a summation of one's criminal interactions and conviction history. The local police and sheriff's office maintain arrest records in Illinois, while the State Police Bureau of Identification preserves criminal records.

Illinois Police Records

Illinois police records are a compilation of crime reports, arrests, events, and activities documented and reported by the police agency. Police records are considered public under The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Nevertheless, the Act restricts public disclosure of certain police records. This includes investigative information, juvenile records, sensitive personal identifying information, crime scene photographs, and other information that may affect the safety of a person or the progress of a criminal investigation.