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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.

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
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
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.
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Executive clemency basics
Learn how executive clemency works in Illinois, including commutations, pardons, expungement options, and how clemency requests are decided.
Guide
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
Steps to file a petition with the Prison Review Board from how to write the petition to how your hearing will work.
How-To
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.
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Juvenile record expungement basics
Learn your options for expunging a juvenile record, including how to find your records, which offenses qualify for automatic expungement, and how to petition the court.
Guide
Writing an executive clemency petition
Learn about what you need to include in a clemency petition, how to organize it, and what documents can help when asking the governor for relief.
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Executive clemency
Answers to common questions about executive clemency, including who can apply, how the process works, and what the different types of clemency mean.
FAQ
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.
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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
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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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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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
Expunging your records after drug court
Learn about drug court and how to expunge your record after completing the program.
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