Criminal Records – Voices for Civil Justice

Past marijuana convictions can be erased, but it could take years

News Story (Illinois)

Past marijuana convictions can be erased, but it could take years

January 5, 2020 | Barbara Vitello | Daily Herald (Illinois)
They say that while the assistance of a lawyer isn't necessary for such cases, it can be helpful to consult someone with expertise in this area.
Tags: Criminal Records | Expungement / Record Sealing

Clean Slate: How Ditching A Criminal Record Is No Easy Task

News Story (NATIONAL)

Clean Slate: How Ditching A Criminal Record Is No Easy Task

February 10, 2019 | RJ Vogt | Law360
Last year, a growing awareness of how criminal records can have long-lasting consequences led a wave of 20 states to make it easier for people to clear their records via expungement or sealing.
Tags: Criminal Records | Expungement / Record Sealing

Expungement clinic helps provide step toward better jobs for ex-convicts

News Story (Kentucky)

Expungement clinic helps provide step toward better jobs for ex-convicts

January 25, 2019 | Grace Schneider | Courier-Journal (KY)
With the Department of Corrections' help, about 15 lawyer volunteers pulled criminal record files and filled out documents to start the expungement process, which can take several months.
Tags: Criminal Records | Expungement / Record Sealing

Where pot is now legal, no-longer-criminals seek forgiveness

News Story (Vermont)

Where pot is now legal, no-longer-criminals seek forgiveness

June 22, 2018 | Associated Press (AP)
Past convictions have led to difficulty finding housing or a job. Some were turned away when they applied for a nursing license or federal student loans, attorneys say. Some can't get into neighboring Canada.
Tags: Criminal Records | Expungement / Record Sealing

Expungement Law Helps Human Trafficking Victims Move Forward

News Story (NATIONAL)

Expungement Law Helps Human Trafficking Victims Move Forward

February 2, 2018 | Bianca Bruno | Courthouse News Service
A new California law which vacates and erases nonviolent offenses committed by victims of human trafficking offered her and others a fresh start.
Tags: Criminal Records | Expungement / Record Sealing | Trafficking

Legal clinic in Cairo helps clean up criminal records in effort to allow access to jobs, housing

News Story (Illinois)

Legal clinic in Cairo helps clean up criminal records in effort to allow access to jobs, housing

January 18, 2018 | Isaac Smith | Southern Illinoisan
A Saturday event in Cairo will take aim at helping those with criminal records clean up their histories with the goal of helping them get better jobs and housing.
Tags: Criminal Records | Expungement / Record Sealing

New Hope for New Yorkers With Criminal Convictions

Audio, News Story (New York)

New Hope for New Yorkers With Criminal Convictions

November 27, 2017 | Beth Fertig | WNYC (NY)
New Yorkers who have not been convicted of a crime in the past 10 years can seek to have up to two prior convictions sealed, making it easier to apply for jobs.
Tags: Criminal Records | Expungement / Record Sealing