Summit Offers Adult and Juvenile Ex-Offenders Chance to Seal Criminal Records

A criminal record can be a barrier toward getting a job or into a school. Former adult and juvenile offenders can wipe the slate clean at the upcoming Second Chance Expungement Summit.

The summit takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 4, at Thornton Township High School, 15001 Broadway Ave., Harvey, IL.

Volunteer attorneys will be on hand to assist individuals convicted of adult and juvenile offenses in Cook County with the application to get felony and misdemeanor records sealed.

To expedite the application, attendees are advised to bring their criminal history information (rap sheets) and certified dispositions to the summit.

• Adult records Chicago cases: request rap sheets from the Chicago Police Department, Access and Review Dept., 3510 S. Michigan Ave.from 8:30 a.m. to noon no later than Tuesday, May 24. Fee is $16. Call 312-745-5508.
• Juvenile records Chicago cases: request rap sheets from Chicago Police Department, Youth Division., 3510 S. Michigan Ave.from 8:30 a.m. to noon no later than Tuesday, May 24. Fee is $16. Call 312-745-6004.
• Suburban Cook County cases: Obtain rap sheets from the local police agency where you were arrested by requesting “right to access and review.” Contact your local police agency for more details.
• Certified Dispositions: Can be obtained from Circuit Court Clerk of Cook County’s Ofifce or at suburban courthouses prior to or at the summit for $9 per adult case.

Fees to expunge or seal an adult case are $120 plus mailing and copying; juvenile expungement cases are $64 per case, plus $60 Illinois State Police fee for one or multiple filings on the same day, plus mailing and copying fees.

People who can’t afford the fees can be declared indigent by a judge and get most of the services for free. Attendees who aren't able to obtain their criminal histories are still encouraged to attend and learn more about the step-by-step process toward getting criminal records expunged or sealed.

Attendees with felony drug convictions will also need drug test results before the expungement process can begin.. ACCU Lab Medical Testing is offering drug testing at, 2600 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 212. No appointment is needed and drug testing is available 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bring a photo ID and mention the Second Chance Expungement Summit. The cash-only fee for the test is $22. On site drug testing will be available at the summit.

Other available on-site services include an ex-offender job information seeking seminar, child support, identify theft. housing and community resources, and veterans resources.

The Second Chance Summit is hosted by Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown, the Southland Regional Mayoral Black Caucus and Thornton Township High School District 205.

For questions or more information, call 312-603-5200/4641; or visit the Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court website.