Ever since Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker took office a year ago those who represent individuals petitioning for clemency wondered how he would exercise his executive clemency authority.
Read MoreIn Illinois, the governor has the sole authority to reinstate someone’s FOID card rights lost due to a felony conviction. Several years ago few knew that clemency could be used for this purpose.
Read MoreEffective immediately, HB 2373 is the largest single expansion of the sealing rules ever taken in Illinois or - for that matter - anywhere in the United States. For the first time, individuals who have been convicted of felonies such as burglary, robbery, or aggravated battery, can seek to seal their convictions. The new law also expands what drug offenses can be sealed.
Read MoreThe last time Illinois expanded its list of sealable felony crimes was in 2014. That law only added a handful of felony offenses to the list. That may all change if Governor Bruce Rauner signs House Bill (HB) 2373 into law. He has until August 26, 2017, to act. HB 2373 is set to cause the largest expansion of the state’s sealing rules. For the first time felony crimes of violence will be sealable (e.g., aggravated battery, murder). In addition, all felony drug offenses (regardless of its class), residential burglary, and burglary will be sealable. If signed by Gov. Rauner, HB 2373 goes into effect January 1, 2018.
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