Cook County Criminal Records
How to Run a Cook County Criminal Records Search
When it comes to running a Cook County criminal records search, there are a few good online options. First, it's important to identify what you want to lookup specifically, and what your intended use is for the records you obtain. Let's first go over what records are available. You can either lookup individual criminal records such as convictions, warrants, arrests, or incarcerations, or run a comprehensive background check which will show a person's complete criminal past.
The next step, which is equally important is to determine what you want to use the information you obtain. Do you need to use these records for official purposes, such as for employment or rental applications, or do you just want to do some personal research? This will help define what resources you should use to do your research. If you need these records for official uses then you will need to use either a government resource, or an FCRA certified service. If you merely want to do some research then any third party or public records website is fine to use.
What Exactly are Criminal Records?
Criminal records are essentially official documents of a person's criminal history, resulting from a court conviction. They are part of the public records, that are accessible to anyone who wishes to view them. These records can include arrest reports, conviction details, court records, sentencings, incarcerations, warrants, probation and parole orders. They provide a comprehensive view of a person's interactions with the criminal justice system.
Various Ways to Access Cook County Criminal Records
Conducting a Cook County criminal records search can be done in three main ways. You can either use government platforms for your research, or non-government third party resources. Either is fine however, if you need official copies of records then using a government platform is usually the best option. Here are the various ways to access criminal records online:
1). Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court: Visit the Cook County Clerk of the Court website. Navigate to the "Online Case Search" section and input the required information. You can choose to obtain copies of a specific court case, or the history of someone's court cases. Since all convictions are a Circuit Court based decisions, this is a good option to access official records of someone's convictions.
2). Illinois State Police: The State Police offers a criminal history search tool that allows public access. You will need to know the full name and date of birth for the person of interest and you will need to pay the required fee per copy. Official copies will cost extra.
3). Third Party Sites: You can also access someone's complete background check using a non-government public records site. These resources are usually quick and easy to use, but will require a fee for usage. Some of these resources offer monthly subscription fees which allow users to run unlimited searches. It's important to note that most of these non-government resources do not offer official records, meaning you cannot use the information in an official capacity. They are designed for research and reference only.
The Impact of Having a Criminal Past
A criminal past can have far-reaching effects that can potentially impact various aspects of someone's life. Since these records are public, it means they can be accessed by anyone, including potential employers or landlords. Having a conviction on your record can affect job prospects. Employers often conduct background checks and may be hesitant to hire someone with a checkered past. Similarly, landlords may be reluctant to rent to those with a less than desirable background. These records can be interpreted as someone not being trustworthy and hence an unnecessary liability. Beyond employment and housing, a criminal past can have other legal implications. It can affect one's ability to obtain professional licenses or even impact voting rights, or traveling outside of the United States.
How to Expunge and Seal a Cook County Criminal Record
Those that have a criminal conviction on their background may have options to clear their records. This can be done through legal processes known as expungement and sealing. Expungement erases the record, while sealing hides it from public view. Both processes can help mitigate the impact of a criminal record. If you are eligible you can consult with an attorney to determine the best action for your situation. There are often statutes of limitations on most misdemeanors and some felonies, it can be worth looking into if you want to clear up your record.
How Do I Lookup Someone's Cook County Criminal History?
You can use the Cook County Judicial website to lookup someone's criminal convictions. But, a much easier way to lookup someone's complete criminal history is to use a public records website. These resources compile information from multiple sources, including nationwide results. This means that you will get a much better picture of a person's past by using one of these services compared with what you can find through the courts.