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Date: 09/18/2025

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have a family or household member who is or was in jail or prison

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Legal resources for anyone who has a family or household member who is or was in jail or prison or who have otherwise been impacted by incarceration. Find more info for legal problems under Resources.

Expunging or sealing a criminal record basics
Learn about sealing and expunging criminal records in Illinois, including eligibility, the process, and available resources for help.
Guide
Starting a case to expunge or seal a criminal record
A step-by-step guide for filing a request to expunge or seal your criminal record in Illinois.
How-To
Re-entry resources for prisoners and former prisoners
Resources for recently released individuals returning from prison, including organizations that offer housing, education, employment, and other services for people with criminal records.
Text article
Interacting with people in Illinois prisons
Explains what you need to do to talk to or visit with someone who is in an Illinois prison.
Text article
My rights when I'm under arrest or in custody
Describes what rights people who get arrested have while in custody. Explains what you're allowed to do when interacting with law enforcement and what they are allowed to do to you.
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Applying for executive clemency
Learn how executive clemency works, including pardons, sentence commutations, and expungement. Find out who qualifies and what a pardon does or doesn't do.
Guide
I want to divorce someone in jail or prison
Explains how to divorce your spouse if they are in jail or in prison.
Text article
Filing a petition for executive clemency
Steps to file a petition with the Prison Review Board from how to write the petition to how your hearing will work.
How-To
Completing an FBI background check
An FBI background check, known as an Identity History Summary, may be required if you’ve been arrested out of state.
How-To
Writing an executive clemency petition
Explains what to include in your request for a pardon.
Text article
Juvenile expungement basics
Find out how to expunge your juvenile record in Illinois, including which charges qualify for automatic expungement and your options if they don’t.
Guide
What to do if your rights are violated in prison
Details the process for filing a grievance in an Illinois Department of Corrections facility. Describes ways you can advocate for your loved one's medical care.
Text article
Certificates of good conduct and relief from disabilities
Explains an option for helping people with criminal records who are not eligible for expungement or sealing.
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Fighting a criminal conviction and sentence
Describes what a criminal conviction is, how to appeal one and different types of sentences. You can ask for an appeal if you believe there was a serious error in your case. The appellate court will then review the issues you bring up.
Guide
Clear a "Group 3" cannabis conviction
Explains how to expunge a cannabis conviction for possession of 500 grams or less, or dealing of less than 30 grams.
How-To
What if I was denied or my record is not eligible for expungement or sealing?
Learn about your options if you don’t qualify for expungement or sealing, including certificates and waivers.
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© 2025 Illinois Legal Aid Online. 
All rights reserved.
 
ILAO is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. ILAO's tax identification number is 20-2917133.