Can Second Chance Legislation Help Me?

 Posted on November 29, 2024 in Expungement

Illinois’s criminal justice system has been seeing some significant changes in recent years. A major focus of these changes is on helping individuals get a fresh start once they have served their sentence. Aptly known as second chance legislation, these changes aim to remove barriers like criminal records that can make it hard for people who have paid their debt to society to find housing or employment.

People who were charged with nonviolent offenses or have shown a willingness to change can benefit from this legislation. If you are interested in learning more about how second chance legislation might be relevant for you, speak with a skilled Kane County, IL criminal defense lawyer.

What is Second Chance Legislation?

The main focus of Illinois’s second chance legislation is on expunging (erasing) or sealing criminal records. Expungement means that all records of a conviction are erased, as if it never happened. It is a possibility for specific offenses. Sealing means that access to the criminal record is restricted but not completely erased. Either option can help people get a fresh start after having served their time. This is especially important for people who want to apply for a job, housing, or loans, which can be challenging with an accessible criminal record.

Illinois law governs how criminal records can be expunged or sealed. Over the years, the laws have changed, evolving to provide more opportunities for people to clear their records, especially when they were convicted of nonviolent crimes.

Who Is Eligible for Second Chance Legislation?

Not everyone who has been convicted can get their criminal record expunged or sealed. Eligibility depends on the crime that was committed, how much time has passed since the conviction, and whether the person completed their sentence without any further legal issues.

The Impact of Second Chance Legislation

Second chance legislation has the potential to improve the lives of people who were convicted of crimes in the past. Many individuals with criminal records meet obstacles when they try to get hired for a job or find housing. This happens even if a lot of time has passed and they have changed their ways.

Some jobs in certain fields like healthcare, education, or government work require background checks as part of the job application. Without the obstacle of a criminal record, people can have opportunities for better jobs, higher salaries, and an improved quality of life.

As a result, people have a better chance to overcome the long-term social and economic consequences of a criminal record, which can impact families and communities. If they can get their records sealed or cleared, it can be easier for them to get back on their feet and rejoin society.

Schedule a Free Consultation with an Aurora, IL Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are suffering as a result of your criminal record, speak with a qualified Elgin, IL criminal defense attorney about whether second chance legislation can help. At The Law Office of Brian J. Mirandola, we believe that people who have repaid their debt to society deserve a fresh start. Call us at 847-488-0889 so we can review your case and see whether expungement or sealing can place a brighter future on the horizon.