A New Life - Expungement & Sealing

In Illinois, if you have ever been fingerprinted by law enforcement, you have a criminal record. Generally, that means future employers or, in many areas, your neighbors, can

see a history that might not tell the whole story. It is there even if there were no charges or you were found not guilty. The Criminal Identification Act allows for qualifying arrests, supervision and probation to be expunged or sealed. Expunged records are indeed destroyed or returned to the petitioner. The agencies will destroy their records and remove all mention of your name from the public record. Sealed records are not destroyed and law enforcement will still have access to them; however, most of the general public will not have access to the contents of the record. While there exists online, abundant resources regarding the law, procedural guidelines, and a host of qualifying worksheets, actually taking action toward accomplishing what might be a true difference maker in one’s life can be most overwhelming. Yet, the impact of NOT seeking expungement or sealing of qualifying records looms large. Consider the potential loss of employment opportunity or advancement, post secondary education possibilities, college athletic and scholarship prospects, occupational licensure or certification, as well as impact on housing options. Yes, the stakes are high! Pro Bono Network attorneys are passionate about helping people navigate the legal process that will give them better chances in their future. With numerous attorneys in its network, Chicago area juvenile and adult clients are more likely to have an attorney to assist them with determining their eligibility and make formal petitions for expungement or record sealing. PBN collaborates with Legal Assistance Foundation (LAF) and Cabrini Green Legal Aid (CGLA) to ensure that attorneys are there to meet the demand. PBN has also identified a need for additional juvenile representation and is working to fill that need directly. In one year alone, thanks to LAF’s clinics, 96 grateful students across 10 high school campuses received the legal advice and procedural support needed to determine their eligibility or immediately move forward with official petitions. As a result, 235 juvenile offenses were expunged. Taking the appropriate steps, often with a PBN attorney at their side, these young adults are now on the path to beginning their future, free from the restrictions their juvenile record posed. PBN also takes part in CGLA’s clinics aimed at supporting adults to navigate the expungement

and record sealing process. It’s hard to imagine a 70 year old client whose arrest without conviction had resulted in over 30 years of constant worry and shame every time she took any step in life that involved some review of personal records. The heavy weight of that worry was lifted with the help of PBN attorney, who assisted her in filing the necessary petition for expungement. Another woman who sought support at the clinic shared a story of many poor decisions in her past and a series of 14 arrests. She also shared how she used the consequences of her actions to inspire a life of purpose and responsibility. Free of any record for the past 10 years, PBN volunteer attorney, Mara Block assisted her in determining that she was indeed eligible to petition. After all the necessary paperwork was completed, a big smile and hug provided a tangible reminder of the power of legal assistance. Suzanne Ritzler, a PBN volunteer attorney shared that her first Expungement experience was rich with learning for both her and the students she supported, and that students were genuinely appreciative of another adult respecting their rights and helping them move forward with their lives.

With enormous demand for these services, PBN was sparked to deepen its involvement by making presentations about this topic to agencies that support at risk youth and taking action to sponsor its own expungement workshops. With the generous support of the Community Bank of Oak Park River Forest to ensure that PBN acquired the appropriate malpractice insurance, PBN initiated and successfully held its first clinic in July of 2016 at a Chicago public high school. PBN’s Heena Musabji and Laura Hardwicke continue to work on the development of this workshop. Donor contributions to the Pro Bono Network are instrumental to our work and leadership in this area of much needed legal assistance. As a donor, you partner with us in helping adults both young and old in their pursuit of a life of responsible citizenship. We thank you in advance for your generosity. DONATE HERE.

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