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.