Do I need an attorney to enter a Petition to Expunge. I went to the
court and was given two forms: PETITION TO EXPUNGE and ORDER TO
EXPUNGE, along with Instructions for Preparing the Petition.Can I
prepare these documents myself? This is in Cook County, Illiois.
Theft Charges were dropped and all criteria have been met.

Hi Toldyouso ~

Before I answer your question, I'd like to remind you of the
disclaimer at the bottom of this page. I'm not an attorney and do not
have a license to practice law in the State of Illinois. Information
provided in answer to your question should not be considered legal
advice.

You're ahead of the game if have already been given the two forms, the
Petition to Expunge and the Order to Expunge - as well as the
Instructions.

The answer to your question is "yes, you can fill out the forms
yourself".

If you were given either a form CCCR-0011 or CCCR-0012, and The
Illinois Technology Center for Law & the Public Interest has an online
sample for you to look at if you need help in filling it out.

* For CCCR-0011
   - http://www.illinoislawhelp.org/uploads/0005330001SampleExpungementForm0011.rtf

* For CCCR-0012
   - http://www.illinoislawhelp.org/uploads/0005340001SampleExpungementForm0012.rtf


The steps to expunge your record are also listed on the Illinois
Technology Center for Law & the Public Interest's website, here:
   - http://www.illinoislawhelp.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.dsp_content&contentID=644

Pay attention to Step 3 (where to file), and the steps necessary to
seal and either return the rap sheet to you (if it is your rap sheet
you wish to expunge) and/or expunge the court records.

Once you have filed the Petition, the Judge will sign the Order which
will be returned to you. Your records  will be expunged and/or
returned to you, as the case may be.

There is also the matter of the State Police. The steps above "will
only expunge your records in Chicago and suburban districts, not your
rap sheet with the Illinois Department of State Police. To expunge
your state rap sheet you can send a certified copy of the court order
together with a money order made out to the Illinois State Police for
$40. You will receive instructions from the Illinois State Police on
what you must do to expunge your state rap sheet."


If you have a State Police rap sheet and wish to expunge that as well,
you will need the Judge's Order for them, and you contact the Illinois
State Police to find out how to proceed. Here's their office address:

     Illinois State Police
     Division or Office
     124 E. Adams St.
     P.O. Box 19461
     Springfield, IL 62794-9461

They will be able to direct you on their expungement requirements, if
you have a State Police rap sheet or record.

It takes a bit of time, but will be well worth the effort. I'm sure
you'll be glad you did it.

Good luck to you!
Serenata

---

Clarification of Answer by serenata-ga on 28 Aug 2003 23:59 PDT

Hi Again, Toldyouso ~

In my Answer, I forgot to tell you the Google search terms I used (in
case you want to look for any further information yourself):

 - Cook County + Expungement
   - ://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=cook+county+%2B+expungement&btnG=Google+Search

I apologize for the oversight.

Serenata