Although the majority of criminal convictions in Illinois are sealable, including Class X felonies, some are not, including driving under the influence; reckless and aggravated reckless driving; domestic battery; violations of orders of protection; sex crimes; and crimes against animals. But records can only be sealed once the sentence has ended and three years have passed. The number of convictions is also a factor. The individual is required to wait a minimum of three years after the end of their most recent sentence before petitioning the court to seal their record. The general public cannot see a person’s criminal conviction that has been sealed, but law enforcement can. Felons who have had a record sealed cannot file for another sealing and even more notable, a prior felony conviction may be unsealed should another conviction occur.
