Cook County Felony Records

Cook County felony records are kept by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Chicago, Illinois. With more than 5.2 million residents, Cook County is the most populated county in the state and the second largest in the nation. Searching for felony records here works a bit differently than in other Illinois counties. There is no full online access to criminal case files for the general public. You must go in person to the courthouse to view most felony case records. The clerk's office handles all filings, docket sheets, court orders, and case documents for felony cases in Cook County.

Cook County Circuit Clerk Details

The Criminal Division of the Cook County Clerk's Office handles all felony trial cases filed in the City of Chicago. This division covers habeas corpus matters, petitions to expunge, petitions to seal, post-conviction relief, and the filing of notice of appeals. It also deals with identity theft cases and certificates of good conduct. Suburban districts in Cook County keep their own records for felony cases heard outside the city limits. If the felony was filed in a suburban location, you need to contact that suburban district court directly for Cook County felony records in that area.

Felony preliminary hearings can take place at several branch courts in Chicago or at suburban locations. The Criminal Department manages these preliminary hearing records along with misdemeanor cases. It runs 365 days a year and also oversees Central Bond Courts. Case files in Cook County can hold arrest reports, complaints, warrants, bond slips, appearances, court orders, and more.

Cook County Felony Record Access

Cook County stands apart from most Illinois counties because it does not offer full online access to criminal felony case records. The Illinois Supreme Court's Electronic Access Policy for Circuit Court Records prohibits remote access to actual case documents. While some counties have partial online search tools through systems like Judici or their own portals, Cook County criminal records require an in-person visit. The Cook County case lookup tool works only for civil cases for the general public. Registered attorneys can access criminal case data through the CCCPortal, but that is not open to everyone.

The Leighton Criminal Courthouse at 2650 S. California Ave. is where you go for Chicago felony records. Self-service kiosks sit on the first floor lobby. These let you look up case numbers without waiting for staff. The clerk's office also has a live chat feature on their website during business hours if you have questions before making the trip.

You can reach the Cook County Criminal Division at (773) 674-3147, or call (773) 674-9255 and follow the phone prompts for felony record information.

The Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court website has forms, division info, and contact details for all court locations.

This is the main page for the Cook County Clerk's office, where you can find links to each court division and online resources.

Felony Records Search Fees in Cook County

Getting copies of Cook County felony records costs money. The record search fee is $6.00 per year searched. If you need copies, the first page is $2.00. Pages two through nineteen cost $0.50 each. Every page after that is $0.25. If you want a certified copy, add $6.00 per certification seal. Postage charges also apply for mail requests.

You can download the official Record Search Request Form from the clerk's website. When you mail in a request, pay with a check or money order made out to the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Write your driver's license number, phone number, and case or ticket number on the check. Do not mail cash. Only send the $6.00 search fee at first. Full payment is due when the search is done.

For in-person requests, bring the case number or the defendant's name. The staff can look up felony records with either one. If the case was filed within the last four years, the file is on-site and can be viewed the same day you ask for it (unless it is currently pending in court).

Note: Certified dispositions for Cook County felony records cost $9.00.

Cook County Criminal Division Courts

The Cook County court records and archives page explains how the online docket works and what limits exist under state law. The electronic docket holds brief summaries of court documents and events for a case. It is not the official court record. Courts in Illinois are exempt from the Freedom of Information Act, but all records that are not sealed or impounded by law are still public and can be viewed through the clerk's office.

This page from Cook County government outlines the rules for accessing court records and what the online docket does and does not show.

The Cook County Circuit Court website is another resource for finding court schedules, judge assignments, and division details. Felony records in Cook County are split between city and suburban locations, so check which courthouse handled the case before visiting.

The circuit court site provides general information about court operations and public services in Cook County.

Illinois Law and Cook County Felony Records

Under the Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630), every police agency in Cook County must send fingerprints and arrest data for all felony arrests to the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification. This law requires the ISP to maintain a statewide database of criminal history records. The BOI holds more than five million fingerprint files across Illinois. Cook County generates a large share of those records given its population size.

The Uniform Conviction Information Act (20 ILCS 2635) lets anyone submit a name-based search through the ISP to get conviction records. This costs $16 by paper or $10 electronically. Only conviction information shows up. Arrest records that did not lead to a conviction are not included. You do not need the person's consent for a name-based search.

The Criminal Division page on the clerk's website describes the types of felony matters handled at the Leighton Courthouse.

Expungement of Cook County Felony Records

Some Cook County felony records can be expunged or sealed. To start the process, pick up the right forms from any Cook County Clerk's Office location. Expungement erases the record completely. Sealing hides it from most public searches, though law enforcement can still see sealed records. The rules come from Section 5.2 of the Criminal Identification Act. Not every felony conviction qualifies. Class 3 and Class 4 felonies may be eligible for sealing under certain conditions.

The ISP charges $60 to process a court order for expungement or sealing. Filing the petition itself has no fee. Send expungement questions to ISP.Expungement.Unit@illinois.gov. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140) does not apply to courts, but it does cover law enforcement agencies. You can file a FOIA request with the Chicago Police Department or the Cook County Sheriff for arrest reports and incident records tied to felony cases.

The Criminal Department page covers preliminary hearing felony records, misdemeanor cases, and branch court operations in Cook County.

The online case lookup portal is available for civil cases only. Criminal felony records in Cook County are not searchable through this tool for the general public.

State-Level Resources for Cook County Felony Records

Besides the county clerk's office, you can search for Cook County felony records at the state level. The ISP Bureau of Identification at 260 North Chicago Street in Joliet holds criminal history data from every county. You need an appointment to visit. Call 815-740-5160 to set one up. The re:SearchIL statewide document repository may also have some Cook County court documents, though full case files are restricted under the Electronic Access Policy.

The Unified Code of Corrections (730 ILCS 5) defines sentencing ranges for every felony class in Illinois. Class X felonies carry 6 to 30 years in prison. Class 1 is 4 to 15 years. Class 2 is 3 to 7. Class 3 is 2 to 5. Class 4 is 1 to 3 years. These ranges apply to Cook County felony records just as they do across the rest of the state.

Note: Cook County's bulk electronic data requests must be submitted in writing to the Chief Judge for approval.

Counties Near Cook County

Cook County shares borders with several other Illinois counties. If a felony case was filed in a neighboring county, you can look up records through their clerk's office instead.

Cook County Cities With Felony Records

Felony cases for residents of these cities are handled through Cook County's court system. Pick a city below to find local details about felony records in that area.