Second Chances Summit to help ex offenders clear their records in Rockford
From news reports
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — State Sen. Steve Stadelman is hosting a third summit that helps ex offenders get a second chance.
People who are eligible to have their criminal records sealed or expunged can obtain a free attorney to prepare their case for review by a judge during during the 2022 Second Chances Summit. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 20 at the Nordlof Center in downtown. Registration opened Sunday. You can sign up at senatorstadelman.com.
Nearly 250 people met one-on-one with volunteer attorneys during the 2018 and 2019 summits, but the 2020 and 2021 events were called off because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Many well-meaning men and women in our community find that a past transgression, often from their youth, prevents them from obtaining living-wage employment and adequately supporting themselves and their families,” Stadelman said in a news release. “Illinois law allows people who meet certain criteria to seek judicial relief, and we all benefit as a result.”
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Wendy Crouch, pro-bono coordinator for Prairie State Legal Services, which is a partner in the event, encouraged local attorneys to contribute their time and expertise. Prairie State provides free event training that volunteer attorneys can use toward the state’s continuing education requirements for lawyers.
“Having a criminal record can have a far-reaching impact, even restricting a parent’s ability to fully participate in their child’s life,” Crouch said. “Prairie State Legal Services is excited to again partner with Senator Stadelman to help all those who are eligible to clear their records and move forward.”
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Interested attorneys can enroll in the training session online at senatorstadelman.com or by calling 815-985-2902.
