Expunging your record in Chicago IL in 2026 typically costs $0–$450 for filing fees and $400–$2,500 for attorney representation, depending on the type of record and case complexity. Criminal expungement filings cost $0–$157, record sealing costs $60–$157, and juvenile expungement is usually free for eligible cases. Cannabis expungement ranges $0–$150, depending on record type and administrative processing. Additional expenses include $30–$60 for fingerprinting and $20–$50 for document copies. The total cost for most Chicago residents ranges $450–$1,600, depending on whether they hire a lawyer or use self-help options.
Expunging your record in Chicago costs $450–$1,600 in 2026. Learn criminal expungement fees, sealing costs, cannabis expungement, juvenile expungement, and attorney pricing.
Average Expungement Cost in Chicago (2026)
The cost of expunging or sealing a record in Chicago varies based on record type, eligibility, attorney needs, and court requirements. Illinois offers generous expungement options for many arrests, dismissed charges, and low-level offenses, but filing correctly is essential to avoid delays or denials. Understanding average pricing helps Chicago residents plan their expungement budget responsibly.
• Total costs usually range $450–$1,600, depending on filings, legal support, and documentation requirements.
• DIY expungement costs $0–$200, covering fingerprinting, mailing, and court documents.
• Attorney-assisted expungement costs $600–$2,500, depending on case complexity and number of petitions.
• Cannabis and juvenile expungement costs remain low because Illinois eliminates most government filing fees.
Criminal Record Expungement Costs in Chicago
Criminal record expungement is the most common type because many dismissed charges, arrests, and certain misdemeanors are eligible. Costs vary depending on whether residents hire an attorney or file petitions independently. Chicago’s process requires fingerprints, case documents, and carefully prepared petitions.
• Court filing fees for expungement range $0–$157, depending on case type and county fee schedules for Cook County.
• Fingerprinting costs $30–$60, required to verify identity and criminal-history eligibility.
• Attorney fees range $700–$2,000, depending on record complexity and number of separate cases filed.
• Copy fees for court documents add $20–$50, depending on required certified case records.
Record Sealing Costs in Chicago
Record sealing is available when expungement is not an option. Illinois allows sealing of many misdemeanors and some felonies, helping residents hide records from public view. While sealing does not erase the record, it delivers strong employment protection.
• Filing fees cost $60–$157, depending on whether the sealed record includes multiple charges or cases.
• Attorney fees cost $600–$2,500, depending on record length and hearing requirements.
• Fingerprinting costs $30–$60, required for sealing just as with expungement petitions.
• Cases with hearings or objections may require additional legal costs, increasing overall expenses.
Cannabis Expungement Costs in Chicago
Illinois legalized recreational cannabis and passed automatic expungement laws for many low-level possession offenses. Some records are automatically cleared, while others require manual petitions. Costs remain low because the state intentionally eliminates economic barriers.
• Automatic cannabis expungement costs $0, covering possession under 30 grams with no violence or additional charges.
• Manual cannabis expungement petitions cost $0–$150, depending on record type and document requirements.
• Lawyers may charge $300–$700 for cannabis-only petitions, though many residents can file independently.
• Document retrieval fees may add $10–$30 for older records requiring manual archive retrieval.
Juvenile Record Expungement Costs
Illinois makes juvenile expungement simple and affordable to help young people enter adulthood with a clean start. Most juvenile records can be expunged for free, especially for arrests or low-level offenses.
• Juvenile expungement filing fees are $0, supporting youth access to record clearing regardless of financial status.
• Attorney help for juvenile cases costs $300–$800, depending on number of petitions and required hearings.
• Fingerprints cost $0–$20, depending on whether the juvenile has previous prints in state systems.
• Cases with police-record requests may incur $10–$20 in document fees depending on department.
Fingerprinting, Background Checks & Administrative Costs
Fingerprinting and background verification are required for most adult expungement or sealing cases in Chicago. These administrative costs ensure eligibility before court approval. Residents must use approved vendors or CPD stations to avoid delays.
• Fingerprints cost $30–$60, depending on location and live-scan vendor pricing across Cook County.
• Chicago Police Department RAP sheet requests cost $16, required for many expungement filings.
• State Police background checks cost $20–$45, depending on digital versus manual processing.
• Mailing, printing, and notary expenses may add $10–$25, depending on petition complexity.
Attorney Fees for Expungement & Sealing
Although residents may file petitions independently, attorney assistance significantly improves approval chances, especially when multiple charges or borderline cases are involved. Costs depend on number of petitions, case age, and whether the case requires a hearing in court.
• Standard attorney fees range $700–$1,500, covering consultation, petition drafting, filing, and case tracking.
• Complex cases cost $1,500–$2,500, especially when sealing felonies or clearing multiple arrest records.
• Flat-fee packages cost $600–$900, typically used for single-case misdemeanors or dismissed-charge expungements.
• Some nonprofit legal clinics in Chicago offer free or discounted expungement help for qualifying residents.
Multiple Petitions & Multi-Case Expungement Costs
Many Chicago residents need to expunge or seal multiple cases from different years or courts. Each case may require a separate petition, increasing total cost. Courts may consolidate hearings, but filing fees remain per case unless waived.
• Filing multiple petitions costs $150–$450, depending on number of eligible cases and court requirements.
• Attorney multi-case packages cost $1,000–$2,000, offering discounts for handling several petitions at once.
• Document retrieval for older expungements may add $30–$80, especially for archived files or handwritten police reports.
• Time spent gathering evidence increases if residents must retrieve employer letters, program completions, or rehabilitation documents.
Factors That Affect Expungement Costs
Expungement pricing varies widely because every case is different. Costs depend on record complexity, legal needs, the number of petitions, and whether the case requires a judge’s hearing. Chicago’s busy courts may lengthen timelines and increase attorney involvement.
• Cases involving multiple arrests or mixed eligibility require more attorney time and higher costs.
• Petitions requiring hearings increase legal fees due to courtroom preparation and case presentation.
• Old records may have missing documents, requiring paid retrieval from archives.
• Cases sealed instead of expunged cost more because sealing may require justification in court.
Total Cost to Expunge Your Record in Chicago
Total expenses depend on whether residents hire attorneys, how many cases require clearing, and whether records involve adult, juvenile, or cannabis charges. Most Chicago residents spend moderate amounts to clear their backgrounds.
• DIY expungement costs $0–$200, ideal for simple arrests or cannabis-only cases.
• Standard adult expungement with attorney help costs $600–$1,400, common for dismissed charges or non-convictions.
• Complex criminal expungement or multi-case sealing costs $1,200–$2,500, especially for those with challenged eligibility.
• Juvenile expungement costs $0–$200, depending on document and fingerprint needs.
Ways to Reduce Expungement Costs in Chicago
Chicago residents can reduce expungement spending by using free legal clinics, filing petitions independently, and targeting eligible cases. Illinois provides generous options for no-fee filings and offers support through nonprofit law centers.
• Using free legal aid programs reduces attorney fees and improves petition accuracy for low-income residents.
• Filing independently for juvenile or cannabis cases saves $300–$700, eliminating the need for lawyer assistance.
• Gathering court documents early reduces delays and additional retrieval fees.
• Consolidating multiple petitions helps reduce overall attorney charges and filing costs.
Summary Table
| Category | Chicago Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Filing Fees (Expungement) | $0–$157 |
| Filing Fees (Sealing) | $60–$157 |
| Fingerprinting | $30–$60 |
| Attorney Fees | $600–$2,500 |
| Cannabis Expungement | $0–$150 |
| Juvenile Expungement | $0–$200 |
FAQ
1. How much does it cost to expunge your record in Chicago?
Most residents spend $450–$1,600, depending on attorney fees and filing requirements.
2. Is expungement free in Illinois?
Some cases are free, including juvenile and many cannabis expungements.
3. Do you need a lawyer for expungement?
Not required, but attorneys improve approval rates, especially for complex cases.
4. How much does record sealing cost?
Sealing costs $60–$157 in filing fees plus $600–$2,500 in legal fees if using an attorney.
5. Does Illinois offer automatic expungement?
Yes, low-level cannabis and some arrest records are cleared automatically.
6. How long does expungement take?
Most cases take 3–6 months, depending on court schedules and hearing requirements.
7. What is the cheapest expungement option?
DIY expungement for cannabis or juvenile cases costs $0–$60.