New Leaf Illinois is a state-funded network of about 18 non-profit organizations throughout the state who provide legal representation and other resources to help individuals seeking to expunge cannabis convictions from their records.

It starts by visiting NewLeafIllinois.org to register online or with a phone call to 855-963-9532 to register over the phone.

Then, a legal aid professional will evaluate your eligibility and get in touch with you about potential next steps.

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.

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.

The process and timing will vary depending on details of your record. Visit NewLeafIllinois.org or call 855-963-9532 to register.

Your criminal record might make it harder to get hired, harder to pursue your education, harder to get public assistance and harder to rent housing. Getting your record cleared can make life easier.

A cannabis conviction doesn’t define you. With New Leaf Illinois, you can expunge your eligible cannabis record (meaning your arrest, charge or criminal conviction can’t be viewed by the public), and turn over a new leaf for your life.

The legal system can seem intimidating, but New Leaf is here to help each step of the way.

Some minor cannabis offenses will be automatically expunged (which will take some time). For other cannabis convictions, a petition will need to be filed in court. For information about your situation, fill out the New Leaf Illinois online form.

New Leaf’s goal is to provide assistance to as many people as possible interested in expunging their cannabis convictions. We know it’s important to make these services free or affordable. In many cases, New Leaf can help clear a 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.

Your answers to the questions from the form on the New Leaf online portal or the New Leaf hotline will help a legal aid professional 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.

For individuals who are not U.S. citizens, please consult with an immigration lawyer before pursuing an expungement as obtaining an expungement could negatively impact pursuing immigration legal status or U.S. citizenship.

To learn more about the Illinois cannabis laws, you may visit Illinois Legal Aid Online.