Today, there is little information about you that can’t be found with the click of a mouse. What, then, is the benefit of expunging a criminal record? The answer to this question is going to depend on whether the arrest and subsequent court proceedings were covered by the media.
Read MoreWhenever you are taken you into custody by the police, an arrest record is created. It is a simple fact. And, just like an unwanted tattoo, an arrest record doesn’t go away unless you do something to remove it. Take the case of Ben, a college student. Ben got a summer internship with a financial services company. As is routine in this industry, Ben underwent a fingerprint criminal background check. His prints were sent to the FBI.
Read MoreAs of January 1, 2015, certain juvenile records will be automatically expunged by the Illinois State Police (ISP). This is a good news for teenagers who, at some point, will visit the police station -- and not on a school field trip. The new law acknowledges a sad truth: even a juvenile record can upend someone's job prospects years later.
Read MoreCurrently, several pieces of second chance legislation are being considered by the Illinois General Assembly. Specifically, the bills would benefit individuals who have a criminal background and want to work in health care or education. In March, I published an Op Ed piece in the Sun-Times, in which I urged public support for the legislation. Let's take a look at how these bills are doing.
Read MoreIn 2014, actor Mark Wahlberg applied for a pardon from then Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick. By the time he turned 17, the actor committed several crimes. After reading his petition, I concluded Wahlberg did not deserve a pardon. I will explain why.
Read MoreDid you know that certain convictions will bar you from becoming a licensed health care worker in Illinois? In 2011, the state legislature amended the licensing code to prohibit anyone from obtaining or keeping a health care worker license due to certain crimes. Those crimes include: 1) sex offenses, 2) a battery to a patient (during treatment or care), and 3) a forcible felony (or attempt to commit).
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