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Visitation

How to Get Approved to Visit If You Have a Criminal Record (Sheridan / IDOC)

If you have a conviction or pending charges, you can still visit someone at Sheridan—but you'll need written approval from the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) first. Here's how the approval process works so you can plan ahead.

• 3 min read • idoc.illinois.gov
How to Get Approved to Visit If You Have a Criminal Record (Sheridan / IDOC)

Have a criminal conviction or pending charges? You'll need written approval from the facility's Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) before visiting anyone in IDOC custody. Without that approval in hand, you can be turned away - even if everything else checks out.

This applies whether your case resulted in a conviction or is still pending - both require written CAO approval. Legal visitors and government officials follow different rules under IDOC's visitor policies.

Good news: once you get written approval at any IDOC facility, it stays valid across all IDOC facilities for the person's current incarceration.

All adult visitors (18 and older) must complete the Prospective Visitor's Interview form (DOC 0148) before visiting. The only exceptions are legal visitors and government officials.

Note: If you're 18 or older, expect the PVI (DOC 0148) to be part of your approval process - unless you're a legal visitor or government official.

How to Get Approved to Visit If You Have a Criminal Record (Sheridan / IDOC)
  1. Confirm you need CAO approval - If you have a conviction or pending criminal charges, you’ll need written approval from the CAO before you can visit.
  2. Contact the facility about how to request written approval - Ask what format they want and where they want the request sent so you don’t lose time sending it the wrong way.
  3. Submit your request and keep a copy - Written CAO approval is what allows you to visit; keeping a copy helps you stay organized if you visit again.
  4. Remember your approval can follow you across IDOC - If you’re approved at one IDOC facility, that written approval remains effective at other IDOC facilities during the current incarceration.
  • ✓ A short written request asking for CAO written approval to visit
  • ✓ Your full name and contact information (so staff can match your request to your PVI and visitor record)
  • ✓ A clear statement that you have a conviction or pending charges (whichever applies)
  • ✓ Any basic details you can provide to help staff identify you correctly (for example, the court/case information you have available)
  • ✓ A copy of a government-issued photo ID, if the facility asks for it as part of the written approval review

While working on CAO approval, don't forget about the PVI requirement. All adult visitors (18+) need to complete the Prospective Visitor's Interview (DOC 0148) before visiting, unless they're a legal visitor or government official. When you follow up with the facility about your CAO approval, ask how they want your PVI handled - tackling both at once saves time. And remember: once you're approved, that approval carries across all IDOC facilities for the current incarceration, making future visits easier.

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