Aguilar Joins Spyropoulos at Forest Park Expungement Summit Offering Second Chances (Cook County, IL) – Cook County residents seeking a fresh start lined up on Saturday, October 11th for the Second Chance Summit, an expungement and record-sealing event hosted at Proviso Math and Science Academy and supported by Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar and Clerk of the Circuit Court Mariyana Spyropoulos.
The free event connected individuals with volunteer attorneys and legal professionals to help clear eligible criminal records—an effort organizers say is crucial for removing barriers to employment, housing and education.
“It is critical that we reduce barriers that prevent residents from finding housing, employment and more,” Aguilar said. “Many individuals with convictions have satisfied the criteria for expungement, and events like this allow them to open a new chapter in their lives. I’d like to thank Clerk Spyropoulos and all of the volunteer attorneys and judges for their work today supporting our residents.”
The countywide initiative provided legal guidance, access to court filings and second-chance job resources. Attendees were required to bring identification, court documents, a RAP Sheet or Statewide Criminal History Report, and payment for any court processing fees.
While many misdemeanor and non-violent felony convictions are eligible for expungement or sealing under Illinois law, the program could not assist with certain offenses, including DUI convictions, sex crimes involving minors and reckless driving cases unless a juvenile exception applies. Federal convictions also do not qualify for expungement through the program.
Organizers said the summit was not only about clearing records but also about reducing stigma.
“This event recognizes that people deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives,” Aguilar said. “No one should be defined forever by a past mistake if they’ve met the legal criteria to move forward.”
The Second Chance Summit is part of an ongoing effort to expand access to justice across Cook County. Additional events are expected to be held in other communities in the coming months.
Aguilar said he remains committed to supporting programs that promote fairness and opportunity.
“For Cook County to work for everyone, residents must have access to jobs, housing, healthcare and full participation in their communities,” he said.
More information about future expungement events and eligibility requirements is available through the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office.
Aguilar Joins Spyropoulos at Forest Park Expungement Summit Offering Second Chances
