ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Illinoisians with cannabis convictions on their records are reminded to take the first step to clear their name.
New Leaf Illinois works with organizations like Prairie State Legal Services in Rockford to offer free legal help to people wanting to expunge their old cannabis convictions.
“Getting a cannabis record expunged means that it will disappear from the public view. That helps with employment, housing and just peace of mind that most people can no longer see that record,” explained attorney Lacy Burpee with Prairie State Legal Services.
Program leaders say while more than 80,000 people in the state may be eligible to clear their records, only 4,000 Illinoisians have registered through New Leaf Illinois.