The Criminal Division maintains records for felony trial cases heard in the City of Chicago. A felony is defined as a criminal offense that is punishable by imprisonment in the penitentiary for a term greater than one year. Matters concerning habeas corpus and extradition in criminal cases, petitions to expunge records of arrest, petitions for post-conviction relief, and the processing of appeals for felony trail cases in the city of Chicago are heard by judges assigned to this division. The Criminal Division is also responsible for four Night Narcotics courtrooms.
Suburban districts maintain the records for felony cases heard in their respective locations.
Felony matters at preliminary hearing level can be heard in several Branch Courts located throughout the city of Chicago, or in suburban locations. See the Note below regarding availability for these records. Files may also contain names of witnesses or other persons involved, jury instructions, and juror's names. Criminal division cases rarely contain direct testimony. Files of appealed cases may contain transcripts of the trial proceedings.