The Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission has released a study regarding the laws and policies governing the handling of juvenile court and arrest records in the state, which does not bode well for young offenders.
According to the report titled, “Burdened for Life: The Myth of Juvenile Record Confidentiality and Expungement in Illinois”, the current laws makes it next to impossible for young people to transition to adulthood because the confidentiality of their records are not guaranteed and the expungement of their criminal records is a difficult and costly process.
According to the report, Illinois has long recognized that kids make mistakes and should be given a second chance, positioning the state as a leader in juvenile justice reform. However, of the tens of thousands of kids arrested, mostly for non-violent crimes, only one third of one percent have had their damaging records expunged.
The erosion of confidentiality protections on top of the obstacles many face when trying to erase a juvenile record leaves many youth in a bind when seeking employment or a higher education. The study suggests that these barriers to opportunity can lead to recidivism — a negative consequence for youth and the communities in which they live.
In the state of Wisconsin, the rules on expungement are very strict, but they tend to be more lenient toward young offenders. Juveniles under the age of 18 and young people who committed crimes when they were under the age of 25, may be able to have their records cleared under certain conditions so it is certainly worth the effort.
To have a conviction erased through the expungement (expunction) process, you must file a petition with the court. Enlisting the help of an experienced Wisconsin expungement lawyer to ensure that you make the strongest argument for expungement of a criminal record is key. If you have questions regarding expungement or pardon of a criminal record in Wisconsin, contact the Waukesha criminal defense law offices of Andrew C. Ladd LLC for help today. We offer a free initial consultation of your case. Call today at 262-542-3900.
