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.

Legal experts believe people aren’t taking advantage of the program because they assume it will take too long, require court appearances or think their records were already cleared when cannabis was legalized in Illinois. However, experts say that’s not always the case.

“There are cannabis cases that were eligible for automatic expungement,” Burpee said. “A lot of people just assumed that that record went away, and it may not have. So, it’s important to check and you can check with New Leaf.”

New Leaf Illinois says the process typically takes four to six months. Once you file a petition to clear your record, it usually takes the court 75-90 days to make a decision and then if your petition is granted, it can take another 90 days for your record to be cleared.

For those worried about having to appear in court to expunge a record, New Leaf says many counties are still handling expungement cases virtually.

To get started, people can call (855) 963-9532 or visit newleafillinois.orgto connect with a legal aid professional.

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