Cook County Criminal Records
What Is Cook County Criminal Records
Cook County criminal records are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within Cook County, Illinois. These records are maintained pursuant to Illinois Compiled Statutes Chapter 20, Act 2630, which establishes the framework for criminal identification and records.
Criminal records in Cook County encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including booking information, fingerprints, and photographs. These records exist whether or not charges are ultimately filed.
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of criminal cases resulting in a finding of guilt, whether through trial verdict, guilty plea, or plea agreement.
- Felony Records: Documentation of more serious offenses punishable by imprisonment of one year or more in state prison.
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by less than one year in county jail.
- Juvenile Records: Documentation of offenses committed by individuals under 18 years of age. These records are generally sealed and not accessible to the public under 705 ILCS 405/1-7.
- Active Warrants: Current orders issued by a judge authorizing law enforcement to arrest an individual.
- Historical Records: Documentation of past criminal justice interactions, including dismissed cases and acquittals.
Multiple agencies maintain different components of Cook County criminal records:
Cook County Sheriff's Office
50 W. Washington Street
Chicago, IL 60602
(773) 674-5700
Cook County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, jail records, and warrant information for the county.
Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County
Richard J. Daley Center
50 W. Washington Street, Room 1001
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 603-5030
Court Records and Archives
The Circuit Court maintains case records including charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, verdicts, and sentencing information.
Illinois State Police
801 South 7th Street
Springfield, IL 62703
(217) 782-7980
Illinois State Police
The State Police maintain the central repository of criminal history information for the entire state, including Cook County.
Cook County criminal records typically include documentation of the entire criminal justice process: initial charges, arraignments, plea entries, trial proceedings, verdicts, sentencing details, and probation or parole information. The Criminal Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County processes and maintains records for felonies and serious misdemeanors committed within the county.
Are Criminal Records Public In Cook County
Criminal records in Cook County are generally considered public information under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/). This statute establishes that "all records in the custody or possession of a public body are presumed to be open to inspection or copying" with certain specific exceptions.
The Illinois FOIA states in Section 1.2: "All records in the custody or possession of a public body are presumed to be open to inspection or copying. Any public body that asserts that a record is exempt from disclosure has the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that it is exempt."
Public access to criminal records in Cook County includes:
- Court case information for adult defendants
- Criminal conviction records
- Court proceedings and hearings
- Sentencing information
- Jail booking records
- Sex offender registry information
However, several categories of criminal records have restricted access:
- Active criminal investigations
- Sealed or expunged records pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Records where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Grand jury proceedings
- Records containing information prohibited from disclosure by federal or state law
The Circuit Court of Cook County maintains public access terminals where members of the public may search court records in person. Additionally, certain criminal record information is available through online portals maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court and the Cook County Sheriff's Office.
It is important to note that while criminal records are generally public, the use of these records for certain purposes, particularly employment, housing, and credit decisions, may be restricted under the Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/) and other state laws.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Cook County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Cook County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining criminal record information:
In-Person Requests at the Circuit Court:
- Visit the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County at the Richard J. Daley Center.
- Proceed to the Criminal Division Records Department on the 11th floor.
- Complete a record search request form, providing the subject's full name and, if available, case number or date of birth.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable search and copy fees ($9 for record searches, $2 per page for copies).
- Wait for staff to retrieve the requested records.
In-Person Requests at the Sheriff's Office:
- Visit the Cook County Sheriff's Records Department at 50 W. Washington Street.
- Complete a Sheriff's Office records request form.
- Provide subject's name and any known identifiers.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees for record searches and copies.
Mail Requests:
- Download and complete the appropriate records request form from the Cook County Circuit Court website.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Enclose a money order for applicable fees.
- Mail the request to:
Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County
Criminal Records Department
Richard J. Daley Center, Room 1006
50 W. Washington Street
Chicago, IL 60602
Online Requests:
- Access the Cook County Circuit Court Electronic Filing system.
- Register for an account if required.
- Navigate to the criminal records search section.
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.).
- Pay applicable online access fees.
- View and download available records.
For certified copies of criminal records, requestors must submit a written request to the Clerk of the Circuit Court with appropriate identification and fees. Certified copies are typically available within 5-7 business days of request submission.
Pursuant to the Illinois Criminal Identification Act, certain criminal records may be subject to sealing or expungement and thus unavailable through standard record searches.
How To Find Criminal Records in Cook County Online?
Cook County provides several online portals for accessing criminal records electronically. Each system contains different types of information and has specific search capabilities:
Cook County Circuit Court Electronic Docket System This portal provides access to criminal case information filed with the Circuit Court of Cook County:
- Navigate to the Cook County Circuit Court Electronic Docket.
- Select "Criminal" from the case type options.
- Search by defendant name, case number, or filing date.
- Basic case information is available without registration.
- For detailed documents, users must register and may incur document access fees.
The system contains case numbers, charges, court dates, judge assignments, and case status information. However, it does not include complete case files or evidence.
Cook County Sheriff's Inmate Locator For information on individuals currently in custody:
- Visit the Cook County Sheriff's Inmate Search.
- Enter the individual's name or booking number.
- Results include booking date, charges, bond information, and next court date.
- No registration is required for basic searches.
This database only includes current inmates and those released within the past year.
Illinois State Police Criminal History Information For official criminal history reports (rap sheets):
- Access the Illinois State Police Criminal History Information Response Process (CHIRP).
- Register for an account and complete the required identity verification.
- Submit fingerprints electronically or via fingerprint card.
- Pay the required fee ($16 for name-based searches, $20 for fingerprint searches).
- Receive results electronically or by mail.
This system provides comprehensive criminal history information but requires fingerprints and fees for access.
Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search For information on individuals sentenced to state prison:
- Visit the IDOC Individual in Custody Search.
- Enter the individual's name or IDOC number.
- Results include conviction information, sentence details, and custody status.
- No registration is required.
This database only includes individuals sentenced to state prison, not county jail.
Cook County Criminal Division Portal For information on felony cases:
- Access the Criminal Division portal.
- Search by defendant name or case number.
- Results include case status, charges, and upcoming court dates.
- No registration is required for basic information.
It is important to note that while these online systems provide convenient access to criminal record information, they may not contain complete records. Some documents are only available through in-person requests at the courthouse, particularly older records that have not been digitized.
Can You Search Cook County Criminal Records for Free?
Cook County residents and members of the public may access certain criminal records at no cost, pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/6), which states that "each public body may charge fees reasonably calculated to reimburse its actual cost for reproducing and certifying public records" but "shall provide copies of public records without charge or at a reduced charge... when the person requesting the documents states the specific purpose for the request and indicates that a waiver or reduction of the fee is in the public interest."
Free criminal record access options include:
In-Person Inspection at Public Access Terminals Members of the public may view criminal court records at no cost at the following locations:
Richard J. Daley Center
50 W. Washington Street, Room 1006
Chicago, IL 60602
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
(312) 603-5030
Leighton Criminal Court Building
2650 S. California Avenue, Room 526
Chicago, IL 60608
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
(773) 674-3152
At these locations, individuals may search and view basic case information without charge, though printing fees may apply ($0.50 per page).
Free Online Resources Several online portals provide free access to limited criminal record information:
- The Cook County Sheriff's Inmate Locator provides free access to current jail population information.
- The Cook County Circuit Court Electronic Docket offers free access to basic case information, though document retrieval may incur fees.
- The Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search provides free information on individuals sentenced to state prison.
- The Illinois Sex Offender Registry is available at no cost to the public.
While basic record searches are often free, fees typically apply for:
- Certified copies of court documents
- Complete case files
- Background checks requiring fingerprint verification
- Expedited record searches
- Records requiring extensive redaction or review
For individuals seeking their own criminal records, the Cook County Circuit Court provides one free copy of non-certified court dispositions per year upon presentation of valid identification, pursuant to Illinois Compiled Statutes Chapter 705, Act 105/27.2a.
What's Included in a Cook County Criminal Record?
Cook County criminal records typically contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system. The content of these records is standardized pursuant to Illinois Compiled Statutes Chapter 20, Act 2630, which establishes requirements for criminal identification and records.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification (SID) number
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number
- Charges filed at arrest
- Bail or bond information
- Detention facility
- Arrest circumstances
- Property inventory
Court Case Information:
- Case number
- Court of jurisdiction
- Filing date
- Formal charges and applicable statutes
- Classification of offenses (felony class or misdemeanor class)
- Plea information
- Attorney of record
- Judge assigned
- Court dates and appearances
- Motions filed and rulings
Disposition Information:
- Verdict or case outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length
- Probation terms
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution ordered
- Special conditions (treatment, community service)
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI information
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history references
The comprehensiveness of criminal records may vary based on the age of the case, the maintaining agency, and the disposition of the charges. Records maintained by the Criminal Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County typically contain the most complete documentation of case proceedings, while Sheriff's Office records focus primarily on arrest and custody information.
It should be noted that pursuant to various Illinois statutes, certain information may be redacted from publicly available criminal records, including Social Security numbers, financial account information, medical information, and information regarding victims of certain offenses.
How Long Does Cook County Keep Criminal Records?
Cook County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Illinois State Records Act (5 ILCS 160/) and the Illinois Supreme Court's record retention requirements. These schedules vary by record type and case disposition.
Felony conviction records are permanently maintained by both the Circuit Court of Cook County and the Illinois State Police. These records remain available indefinitely unless specifically ordered expunged or sealed by a judge.
For other criminal record categories, the following retention periods generally apply:
-
Felony Cases Resulting in Acquittal or Dismissal: Maintained for a minimum of 7 years from the date of final disposition, after which they may be eligible for expungement under 20 ILCS 2630/5.2.
-
Misdemeanor Conviction Records: Maintained for a minimum of 5 years after completion of sentence, though many remain in the system indefinitely.
-
Misdemeanor Cases Resulting in Acquittal or Dismissal: Maintained for a minimum of 5 years from the date of final disposition, after which they may be eligible for expungement.
-
Traffic Offenses: Minor traffic violations are typically maintained for 5 years, while serious traffic offenses (such as DUI) are maintained for 7-10 years or longer.
-
Arrest Records Without Charges: Maintained for a minimum of 3 years, though fingerprints and photographs may be retained longer in the automated systems.
-
Court Transcripts and Recordings: Felony case transcripts are maintained permanently; misdemeanor case transcripts are typically maintained for 10 years.
-
Probation Records: Maintained for 10 years after discharge from probation for felonies; 5 years for misdemeanors.
-
Jail Records: Booking and custody records are maintained for a minimum of 10 years.
It is important to note that while physical records may be destroyed after their retention period expires, electronic indices and database entries often remain accessible for much longer periods. Additionally, once criminal record information has been disseminated to third-party background check companies or other agencies, Cook County has no control over how long those entities retain the information.
The Illinois Criminal Identification Act provides mechanisms for individuals to petition for expungement or sealing of eligible criminal records, which can limit public access to this information even while the records remain in existence within government systems.