Unfortunately for those in Maryland, these pardons do not also expunge the cases from their record. In Illinois, cases that receive a pardon can also be expunged so that the former conviction does not continue to come up on background checks.
The Governor of Maryland announced plans to pardon more than 175,000 people with convictions for cannabis possession. This joins a larger trend both federally and among many states (including Illinois) to forgive and help those with low level cannabis cases as the public perception of the drug moving more towards acceptance.
Unfortunately for those in Maryland, these pardons do not also expunge the cases from their record. In Illinois, cases that receive a pardon can also be expunged so that the former conviction does not continue to come up on background checks.
0 Comments
Earlier today the Governor's office announced the first wave of pardons granted for cannabis convictions as part of the automatic expungement process. But in addition to those, Governor Pritzker also granted 20 pardons from the normal group of those seeking clemency. This represents the first major batch of clemency decisions released by the Governor. Among the offenses receiving clemency were battery, drug possession, attempted burglary and theft.
One of my clients was included in the 20 receiving pardons. To the rest, congratulations on being able to start the new year with a chance for a clean slate! As a reminder, you will still need to seek the expungement separately in court. Today, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker released the first wave of pardons for misdemeanor convictions of cannabis possession. As part of the new process to automatically expunge misdemeanor cannabis cases, Pritzker granted clemency for 11,017 cases. Reportedly, there are about 572,000 total records (convictions or otherwise) eligible for automatic expungement.
The new law also allows for petitioners to seek expungement directly in the court rather than wait for the automatic process to play out. It also allows for low level felony cannabis cases to be expunged in court. Felony cases are not part of the automatic expungement process. By: Bryant Chavez and Hannah Garst
On June 25, 2019, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law HB 1438, which will end cannabis prohibition and replace it with a system to tax and regulate cannabis for adults 21 and over. Beginning on January 1, 2020, adults (21 and older) may possess and/or purchase cannabis products in licensed stores. Possession is limited to:
Automatic Expungement of Criminal Records Involving Marijuana (Cannabis) Convictions of less than 30 grams Individuals with qualifying offenses and records are not required to take any action to have their records automatically expunged. However, if you would like to have your record expunged as soon as possible, we can petition the Court to vacate and expunge the conviction without waiting for the Prisoner Review Board and Governor.
The automatic expungement mandate does NOT apply to marijuana related arrests and convictions associated with arrests and/or convictions for:
Today, Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner released a batch of 93 executive clemency decisions ahead of the Labor Day weekend. Of the 93 decisions, 8 were granted pardons and 85 were denied. The petitions that were granted were for crimes of burglary, theft, drug possession, and delivery of a controlled substance.
Congratulations to those receiving pardons! Don't forget that in order to expunge your record you will still have to go back to court to petition that the records be expunged. The Illinois Prisoner Review Board announced that Governor Bruce Rauner released a new batch of executive clemency decisions, granting five and denying 59. Of the petitions which were granted pardons, the convictions ranged from 1977 to 2007, and included drug offenses, theft, and burglary.
Congratulations to those receiving their much-earned pardons! For those denied, keep in mind that recent changes to Illinois law may now allow for your criminal record to be sealed instead. Today, Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner's Office announced the release of 88 executive clemency decisions in advance of the Christmas weekend. Of the 88 decisions, 10 were granted and 78 denied. Some of the offenses that received pardons include retail theft, burglary, and drug possession.
Two of my clients were among the ten receiving pardons. Congratulations to the other eight receiving clemency as well! For those still pending or denied, your case is likely eligible for sealing which is a still a great option for most. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Today, Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner released 102 decisions on executive clemency petitions prior to the Thanksgiving Day vacation. Of the 102, five were granted pardons and 97 petitions were denied. The offenses that were pardoned included burglary, theft, and drug charges. Those granted pardons will now be eligible to have their cases expunged.
Congratulations to those receiving their much-earned pardons! For those denied, keep in mind that recent changes to Illinois law may now allow for your cases to be sealed instead. In advance of the Labor Day weekend, Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner today released a batch of 94 executive clemency decisions, granting seven and denying 87. According to the Prisoner Review Board, the convictions that were granted pardons were for drugs, burglary, forgery, domestic battery and retail theft.
Congrats to those receiving clemency! For those denied or still pending, take note that your case(s) may be eligible for sealing under the new law in Illinois. Today, Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner released a batch of executive clemency decisions to kick off the weekend prior to the Fourth of July. Of the 114 clemency actions, 10 were granted and 104 were denied. The petitions granted included pardons for theft, burglary, drug crimes, forgery and misdemeanor assault.
Congratulations for those receiving their well-earned pardons! Now you will be able to move forward with your rights intact and you can petition the court to have the criminal records expunged. For those denied or still pending, don't give up hope because your time may still come! |
We provide criminal defense legal services in Illinois, focusing on the expungement and sealing of criminal records.
Archives
July 2024
Categories
All
|