The gig economy has transformed the way people earn money. Instead of traditional nine-to-five jobs, millions now rely on platforms like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash to provide income and flexibility. For those with past arrests or criminal records, gig work can seem like an attractive path toward financial stability and independence. But there’s a catch: [...]

Starting a business has always been one of the purest forms of second chances. It allows people to turn their skills, passions, and hard work into independence. But for many in Illinois, a past arrest stands in the way. Even if charges were dropped or the case ended years ago, the lingering record can create [...]

For many Illinois residents, expungement is not just a legal process—it is an emotional turning point. A criminal record can weigh heavily on every aspect of life, from job applications and housing searches to personal relationships. Even if the case never resulted in a conviction, the stigma of an arrest can linger. When the court [...]

For many people in Illinois, expungement is about more than jobs or housing—it’s about reclaiming opportunities once thought impossible. One of the most life-changing of those opportunities is military service. The U.S. Armed Forces have strict enlistment standards, and criminal history often plays a role in determining whether an applicant is eligible. That leads to [...]

Expungement has always been about second chances. In Illinois, if a case is dismissed, if you are acquitted, or if you meet certain eligibility rules, the law allows you to erase the record from official databases. Once granted, law enforcement and courts treat the record as though it never existed. The goal is clear: to [...]

For decades, people seeking expungement in Illinois focused mainly on court files, police reports, and background checks. If the law erased your record, it was gone—at least in official channels. But today, artificial intelligence (AI) raises a new question: Even after expungement, can AI still find old records? From predictive hiring platforms to advanced background-screening [...]