At Together Chicago, we are dedicated to helping individuals overcome the barriers of their past by assisting with the expungement and sealing of eligible criminal records. This transformative process provides a fresh start, opening doors to new opportunities in employment, housing, and education.
Expungement and record sealing allow individuals to move forward without the burden of past mistakes. Expungement completely erases certain criminal records, making them inaccessible to employers, landlords, and the public. Sealing, while not a full erasure, restricts access to records so that most background checks will not reveal them, offering a significant step toward rebuilding one’s future.
Recently, three participants successfully had their criminal records expunged or sealed, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Together Chicago and Metropolitan Peace Initiatives. This milestone is more than just a legal process—it’s a turning point that restores hope and possibilities for the future.
For many, expungement and sealing do more than remove records—they restore essential rights and access to opportunities that were previously out of reach, including the ability to secure better jobs and pursue higher education. These changes create a ripple effect, allowing individuals to move forward without the weight of past mistakes holding them back.
The impact of this work is profound. Expungement is more than a legal victory—it’s a step toward a brighter future.