Jun 7, 2008 4:59 pm US/Central
Ex-Convicts Turn Out To Apply For Second Chance
Expungement Summit Held At Roberto Clemente High School
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Former convicts meet with Cook County Circuit Court representatives at the court's Expungement Summit.
CBS
A massive effort took place Saturday to help some Cook County residents clean up their rap sheets, in an attempt to make it easier for those with criminal records to rebuild their lives.
As CBS 2's Pamela Jones reports, clearing criminal histories can help remove obstacles that can block such necessities for life outside prison such as employment and housing.
The opportunity to expunge criminal records motivates 2,000 to 3,000 people to line up each year for the Expungement Summit, which took place at Roberto Clemente Community Academy, 1147 N. Western Ave.
The event was open to people with non-violent offenses on their rap sheets, such as drug possession. Participants got the chance to sit down with more than 70 volunteer attorneys to file the paperwork required to clear or seal criminal records.
People started arriving at the event around 5 a.m., and Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown said she was impressed with the turnout. Organizers expected some 3,000 people to attend.
"If people that have non-violent offenses have the opportunity that the state legislature has actually provided them to get their records expunged, they can then go on to get jobs, proper housing and the like," Brown said.
People with criminal histories like Michael Long.
"My mother pretty much forced me to come here and clean up my record," he said.
He and his mom were hoping to clear a 2003 misdemeanor at the summit.
Many feel it's their last chance at removing barriers criminal activity can build.
"Basically, just minor things -- being in the wrong place at the wrong time," said Long's mother Rosa. "We've done everything possible--we've gone through attorneys, paid fees."
One of the societal problems an expungement program is intended to alleviate is recidivism. Statistically, up to half of all criminal offenders nationwide are re-incarcerated within three years of their release.
In Cook County, the figures are worse, Brown said.
"We see in Cook County about a percentage of over 50 percent – 51 percent, to be exact – of people actually going back into jail, and we want to change that," Brown said, "because when people go back into jail, you're talking about a father, a mother, a sister or a brother that won't be able to take care of their families."
"They tried me as an adult and now I'm married, have two kids and I still can't get a job," said summit attendee Mario Salvado. "I have my CDL license and I can't get into Pepsi or anywhere."
Salvado is still trying to start over after being convicted of armed robbery at age 16. But despite the past, he and others at the summit vow to remain focused on a better future.
The program is open to non-violent offenders, but representatives of the Illinois Prisoner Review Board were present to examine anyone's criminal record.
Those who were acquitted of a crime, or arrested but not charged, are also eligible for expungement, even for violent offenses. A conviction punished with a sentence of supervision or probation is also expungeable, Brown said.
But expungement does not happen automatically at request; an application is required, as is about $135 for any fees.
"You'll need, for certified dispositions, $9 for each offense, $60 to apply," Brown said, "but we do have applications for you to be determined indigent."
Drug test results might also be required for those convicted of drug offenses.
The Cook County Circuit Court Clerk's Office has been hosting the event for four years.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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