Crime & Traffic
Worried about doing this on your own? You may be able to get free legal help.
If you have a criminal record that cannot be expunged or sealed, the following documents can help you get a job:
- Certificates of good conduct
- Certificates of relief from disabilities
Who can apply?
You are eligible unless you have been convicted of one of the following:
- Arson or aggravated arson,
- Kidnapping or aggravated kidnapping,
- Aggravated driving under the influence (DUI),
- Aggravated domestic battery, or
- Any offense or attempted offense that requires registration under the Sex Offender Registration Act, the Arsonist Registration Act, or the Murder and Violent Offender Against Youth Registration Act.
When can I apply?
Certificate of good conduct
Two years from the end of the sentence of a felony offense, or one year for a misdemeanor . The end of the sentence is the date you finished probation , got a conditional discharge, or were released on parole .
Certificate of relief from disabilities
Anytime after the end of the sentence.
How does it help me?
Certificate of good conduct
Helps you get a job, work license, or housing that you would otherwise not be able to.
Certificate of relief from disabilities
Helps you get a license that you need to get certain types of jobs. Laws that require licenses include:
- Animal Welfare Act,
- Illinois Athletic Trainers Practice Act,
- Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Nail Technology Act of 1985,
- Boiler and Pressure Vessel Repairer Regulation Act,
- Professional Boxing Act,
- Illinois Certified Shorthand Reporters Act of 1984,
- Illinois Farm Labor Contractor Certification Act,
- Interior Design Title Act,
- Illinois Professional Land Surveyor Act of 1989,
- Illinois Landscape Architecture Act of 1989,
- Marriage and Family Therapy Licensing Act,
- Private Employment Agency Act,
- Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing Act,
- Real Estate License Act of 2000,
- Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act,
- Professional Engineering Practice Act,
- Water Well and Pump Installation Contractors License Act,
- Electrologist Licensing Act,
- Auction License Act,
- Illinois Architecture Practice Act of 1989,
- Dietetic and Nutrition Services Practice Act,
- Environmental Health Practitioner Licensing Act,
- Funeral Director and Embalmers Licensing Code,
- Land Sales Registration Act of 1999,
- Professional Geologist Licensing Act,
- Illinois Public Accounting Act,
- Structural Engineering Practice Act of 1989.
How do I apply for a certificate of good conduct?
To apply, you must file a request in a circuit court. You can use the Statewide Request for Certificate of Good Conduct forms and instructions to make your request.
What goes into a petition?
A petition should include Information about your criminal record, including:
- A record of arrests and prosecutions (RAP sheet),
- Court dispositions, and
- Any other supporting court documents.
You should also include what type of job or license you are trying to get with your certificate.
Finally, you should include proof of your rehabilitation, and why you deserve a certificate.
How should I prepare for court?
Make sure you know when your court hearing is and how to attend. Your court date could be in person, by phone, or by video. If it is in person, arrive at least 30 minutes early.
It is crucial to get everything organized before you go in front of a judge. You should get all of your documents together and prepare to talk about the following things:
- Your criminal history information,
- Your background, and
- Evidence showing proof of your “rehabilitation.”
Below is guidance on how to address your conviction , what to focus on to prove rehabilitation, suggested documents to gather, and ways to talk about specific employment barriers if needed.
Criminal history information
The judge will want to see what is on the criminal record. This includes court dispositions. In Cook County, you can get court dispositions for $9 per case from the Clerk’s Office. Go to Room 1006 at the Daley Center or the 5th Floor at 26th & California. Also, if cases are in Chicago, the judge will want to see your Chicago Police Department RAP Sheet (from 35th & Michigan, $16 fee, Monday through Friday, 8-12, Pick-Up is one week later).
Evidence of “rehabilitation.”
The judge needs to know that you are worthy of having a certificate granted. The judge will need to know information about your life, about your struggles and your accomplishments. Have information ready about your educational and employment history. This includes your resume, degrees or certificates, letters from teachers or past employers.
Talk about what you do in the community. This includes volunteering and being active in your community, plus letters from family, church or other groups.
A character witness can testify to your rehabilitation. This can be a family member, friend, co-worker, or community member. Questions to prepare your witness with include:
- Who is this person?
- How do they know you, and for how long?
- How have they seen changes in you since your conviction?
- How can the judge be convinced you are rehabilitated?
Specific employment barriers
If you are seeking a certificate for a specific employment barrier, talk about why you are qualified for the job. For example, you have training in that field, or you have a history working in that field. Include information if you were already denied an opportunity because of your record.
Guidelines for letters of support
It is beneficial for people to include letters of support with their requests for relief. Please type the letter if possible. If you work at a particular group or church that has letterhead, it is helpful to print the letter on that letterhead. The letter should be in paragraph form and have three basic parts:
- Introduction: Introduce yourself – who you are, what you do for a living, etc.
- Relationship: How do you know the person seeking the relief? Are you a family member, friend, co-worker, church member? How long have you known this person? How often do you interact with him/her? In what types of activities do you participate together? If you have known this person for a long time, how have you seen him/her grow and change?
- Impact: How has this person made a positive impact on your life and the lives of others? Be specific! Don’t simply say he or she is a good person; present examples of how he or she is a good person. What can you say about his or her character? Give specific examples of how they have exhibited these traits. Include any relevant information about his or her strengths as a parent, as a family member, friend, co-worker, or community member.
- Examples:
- “Mr. Smith has been a dedicated coach of his son’s park district basketball team for the last five years.”
- “Ms. Johnson and I teach Sunday School together at our church, St. John’s.”
- “Ms. Grant has been a loyal friend to me for the past ten years. She babysits my children. She opens her home to welcome my family and me.”
- “Ms. Richards suffered for many years from addiction. She wasn’t a part of our lives then, but she is now.”
- Examples:
- Closing: Sign the letter and include a phone number or e-mail address.
What happens after my hearing?
If your certificate is granted, the court will enter a written order. This order is your Certificate. Be sure to ask for a copy, and don’t leave the courthouse without one. Go to the Circuit Clerk’s office and have them certify, either by stamp or raised seal, the Certificate (a small fee may apply). The Circuit Clerk’s office should send a certified copy to the Illinois State Police on your behalf.
If your certificate is denied, you will have 30 days to file a Motion to Reconsider the denial . This Motion must explain how the judge was incorrect in applying the law to your case.
For more information on the process of applying for a certificate of good conduct, see these instructions from the Illinois Courts.
How do I apply for a certificate of relief from disabilities?
There are currently no statewide forms to ask the court for a certificate of relief from disabilities.
If the criminal record is from Cook County, you can use the following form:
If the criminal record is from outside Cook County, contact the circuit court clerk where the arrest happened to ask if they have forms you can use. You can also check the circuit clerk’s website. If no other forms are available, consider using the Cook County forms above as an example and create your own forms.
