In Illinois, the majority of people who return to prison do not return because of a new crime; they return because of a technical parole violation like missing an appointment or failing a drug test. Knowing how to manage parole is your greatest defense against going back.
Illinois has some of the strongest second-chance laws in the country. Many arrests and convictions can be legally hidden from employers and landlords.
Your criminal record is completely erased and destroyed as if it never occurred. Generally available for arrests that did not result in a conviction, cases dismissed, or acquitted.
Your record is hidden from the public, landlords, and general background checks. Almost all felony and misdemeanor convictions in Illinois are eligible for sealing after 3 years!
Provides free legal representation in civil matters, including defending against illegal evictions, fighting public housing denials due to arrest records, protecting SNAP/Medicaid benefits, and domestic safety.
The state's top non-profit organization dedicated specifically to expunging and sealing criminal records, restoring revoked driver's licenses, and helping formerly incarcerated parents with family reunification.
Provides free legal services for low-income residents across 65 counties in Central and Southern Illinois (including East St. Louis, Carbondale, Springfield, Champaign, and Alton).
Serving 36 counties across Northern and Central Illinois (including Rockford, Peoria, Bloomington, Joliet, Waukegan, and Galesburg). Helps clients clean up records, avoid unlawful housing denials, and secure disability benefits.