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Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Joins Clerk of the Circuit Court Mariyana Spyropoulos at Expungement Event
This “Second Chance Summit” expunged and sealed previous convictions for residents throughout Cook County
Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar joined Clerk of the Circuit Court Mariyana Spyropoulos and local elected officials at a Second Chance Summit.
The Second Chance Summit is a countywide initiative delivering free legal help, record-clearing services and second-chance job connections to ensure expungement and sealing rights are accessible to all Cook County residents.
This Second Chance Summit was held on Saturday, October 11th and was located at Proviso Math and Science Academy in Forest Park.
Cook County residents with a criminal record had the opportunity to have their record expunged or sealed. Individuals looking to have their record expunged or sealed were required to bring their RAP Sheet or Statewide Criminal History Report, relevant court documents, a valid I.D. and a form of payments for any court processing fees.
“It is critical that we reduce barriers that prevent residents finding housing, employment, and more,” said Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar. “Many individuals with convictions have satisfied the criteria for expungement, and events like this allow them to open a new chapter in their lives. I’d like to thank Clerk Spyropoulos and all of the volunteer attorneys and judges for their work today supporting our residents.”
Individuals who attended went through the process of filing their expungement or sealing paperwork at the event with the help of the volunteer attorneys. Criminal convictions that did not qualify for expungement included DUI convictions, sex offenses involving minors, and reckless driving (unless youthful offender exception applies). Federal criminal conviction expungements were also unavailable.
This Second Chance Summit also recognizes the stigma many individuals with convictions face, and seeks to show that, if your conditions satisfy the criteria to have your record expunged, that elected officials will not pass judgement and will ensure that the appropriate professionals and support systems are accessible when undergoing the expungement process.
Commissioner Aguilar believes in an equitable county that works for all its residents. For this to happen, everyone in Cook County must have access to opportunities to have a job, find housing and healthcare, and participate in their communities.
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