The Office of the State Appellate Defender can answer questions about sealing and expunging records. They cannot represent you in court. To contact them: 

• Call toll-free (866) 787-1776 in Chicago or (866) 431-4907 Statewide
• e-mail [email protected]. 

For help clearing a cannabis-related record, you can contact New Leaf.

You can also learn more about limited scope representation, where an attorney helps you with your paperwork, but you go to court on your own. 

If you were arrested by the Chicago Police Department, you must have a current copy of your RAP sheet with you. Learn how to get copies of your criminal record. 

If you live in Cook County, there are help desks you can visit to get help:

Cook (Skokie) Skokie Courthouse   
5600 Old Orchard Road, Skokie, Illinois
Room 136 
Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am–12pm
You must bring your criminal record/RAP sheet before coming to the desk. Learn how to get copies of your criminal record. 

Cook (Bridgeview) Bridgeview Courthouse
10220 S. 76th Avenue, Bridgeview, Illinois
Room LL-Canteen
Tuesday 9:15–12pm
Wednesday 9:15–12 pm
Closed all other days. 

Richard J. Daley Center
50 West Washington Street, Chicago, Illinois
10th Floor, Room 1006
Special hours: 9 a.m. – 12 noon, Monday and Wednesday
You can also apply for help online on CGLA's website.

Markham Courthouse 
16501 South Kedzie Parkway 
Room 102J
The in-person help desk is temporarily closed. Apply for help online on CGLA's website. 

Cabrini Green Legal Aid (CGLA's) virtual help desk: apply for help with sealing and expunging your record on CGLA's website at any time.