A Project of Illinois Equal Justice Foundation
We Can Help
The state of Illinois no longer considers cannabis a crime, so why does your record say otherwise?
Expungement Means A Second Chance
Through the New Leaf network, Prairie State Legal Services (PSLS) is part of a network of 20 non-profit organizations throughout Illinois providing free legal representation or legal information to people who want their cannabis convictions off their record.
PSLS legal professionals are ready to help. We are committed to equal justice for all those who were previously arrested or convicted for cannabis related crimes.
In many cases, New Leaf can help clear your record at no cost. Free legal services are provided to income-level qualifying individuals in every region in Illinois.
If you do not meet the income-level requirement, but are still eligible for an expungement, you will be given specific guidance on a path forward and referrals to legal resources.
How can I determine if I am eligible?
By answering the brief questions on the form at newleafillinois.org, a legal professional can determine your eligibility.
There are three possible expungement paths, two of which are automatic, and one which requires going into court. New Leaf will help you determine your next steps based on your cannabis record, and offer assistance where we can.
Q. How does expungement work?
A: The expungement process itself varies depending on the particulars of your case. If your record is eligible for expungement under the new law and you meet the income guidelines, you will be referred to one of the legal aid partners to receive free representation in court. If you do not meet the income-level requirement, but are still eligible for an expungement, you will be given specific guidance on a path forward and referrals to legal resources.
Q: What services are available through the network?
A: Depending on eligibility and needs, services can include free legal information, self-help instruction, document review and preparation, legal consultation, and if available, referrals to a network of legal aid and pro bono attorneys for in court representation.
For more information on cannabis expungement visit newleafillinois.org or for additional expungement services available to you visit pslegal.org.
Know Your Rights!
Are you aware?
• Private leases can limit possession or use of cannabis in a unit
• Residents cannot use or possess cannabis in public housing
• Even if you have a medical use card, landlords can prohibit smoking
• Residents cannot use or possess cannabis in public housing
• Even if you have a medical use card, landlords can prohibit smoking
Cannabis may no longer be criminal, but can still be on your record even if:
• The case was dismissed
• You received only court supervision
• Your case was a non-conviction
• You received only court supervision
• Your case was a non-conviction
Cannabis is legal but not if:
• Possessing more than 30g
• Using in public spaces
• Driving under the influence
• Using in public spaces
• Driving under the influence
Non-Citizens
If you are a non-citizen, you should consult your immigration attorney first, as obtaining an expungement could negatively impact pursuing immigration legal status or U.S. citizenship.
Erase your Records
What if you were convicted of a non-cannabis crime? You may also qualify to expunge conviction records, too.
Prairie State Legal Services (PSLS), as a member of Access to Justice Illinois, provides free legal assistance to qualified individuals to help remove legal barriers stemming from incarceration, including criminal records relief, driver’s license reinstatement, and more.
If you have criminal records other than cannabis convictions in Northern Illinois (excluding Cook County) that you would like expunged, you can apply directly to PSLS to see if we are able to assist you.
For more detailed information visit pslegal.org/How-To-Get-Started.
Funding provided by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Office of Welcoming Centers for Refugee and Immigrant Services.
Ready to erase your record?
Ready to erase your record?
Prairie State Legal Services (PSLS) is part of a network of 20 non-profit organizations throughout the state providing free legal representation or legal information to people who want their cannabis convictions off their record.
If you want to get your cannabis conviction expunged, Prairie State Legal Services is ready to help. We are committed to equal justice for all those who were previously arrested or convicted for cannabis use, production and sale.
© 2022 New Leaf Illinois. Prairie State Legal Services. All Rights Reserved.