CHICAGO – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, is highlighting National Expungement Week by drawing attention to opportunities for local citizens to expunge arrest records under Illinois’ new law legalizing the adult-use of cannabis.

“An arrest record or conviction can follow someone long after they’ve gotten in trouble and unfortunately, these records can act as a barrier to building a better life,” Harper said. “Since a criminal record can keep someone from accessing jobs and housing, it’s critical that citizens trying to build a better life are aware about opportunities that allow them to expunge their records.”

Under the Harper-backed legalization of adult-use of recreational cannabis, Illinois will expand opportunities for the expungement of arrest records, which means that eligible police arrest records will be destroyed. For citizens with arrest records for possession of cannabis under 30 grams, the expungement process is automatic if the arrest did not result in conviction. For arrests for possession of cannabis under 30 grams that resulted in conviction, Gov. J.B. Pritzker will offer pardons after eligible convictions have been identified by the Illinois State Police and reviewed by the State’s Prisoner Review Board. Individuals arrested and convicted for cannabis cases involving possession of 30 to 500 grams, including with other associated crimes, will be eligible to file a motion to vacate their conviction and have the associated record expunged.

“Illinois is unique in that it is offering the broadest expungement opportunities for any state that has legalized recreational cannabis for adults,” Harper said. “People who have a minor cannabis record shouldn’t have that mistake follow them around for the rest of their lives, and thanks to the expungement opportunities in Illinois, they don’t have to.”  

Harper represents the 6th District, which includes all or portions of Armour Square, Bridgeport, Chicago Lawn, Englewood, Gage Park, Back of the Yards, Canaryville, New City, West Englewood, Marquette Park, South Loop and River North.

CHICAGO – State Rep. Arthur Turner, D-Chicago, passed legislation earlier this week to increase accessibility to expungements by removing restrictions and reducing fees.

“When people make a mistake, it shouldn’t define them for the rest of their lives,” Turner said. “Unfortunately, the way expungement laws are currently written it does just that. If we want to help people improve their lives, then we must make significant changes to our criminal justice system.”

Under current state law, only individuals with no prior convictions on their records are eligible to apply for expungement. Additionally, they can be charged a filing fee when they give the court all of their paperwork. In Cook County, the filing fee is $120.

Turner’s House Bill 6328 expands the number people eligible to request to have their record expunged. They will still be eligible for expungement if they have no prior convictions, but individuals who were released without being charged, acquitted of the offense, had charges dismissed, and successfully completed court order supervision or probation would also be allowed to petition the courts. Additionally, Turner’s legislation removes the filing fees when someone seeks to have their record sealed or expunged and was not charged with a crime, was acquitted or had the case dismissed, reversed or overturned.

“This legislation is a good first step to reduce recidivism, by making it easier for people to move forward,” Turner said. “By making it easier to get their record expunged, we give them a much better chance of getting a job, finding an apartment and becoming part of our community.”

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