Just reward: A 2017 comeback story for the ages

By Austin Berg

01/11/2018

State lawmakers would be wise to re-examine the barriers to second chances and first careers throughout the state.

TAGS: criminal justice reform, Lisa Creason, occupational licensing

The gift of a second chance

By Amy Korte

12/18/2017

Illinois has started to embrace second chances for people who have been through the criminal justice system.

TAGS: criminal justice reform, expungement, record sealing

Last day for refunds on Chicago red-light and speed camera tickets

By Brendan Bakala

12/11/2017

Motorists have only hours left to seek a refund from the city of Chicago.

TAGS: Chicago, criminal justice reform, red light cameras

Record sealing, expungement have the power to reduce crime, benefit Illinois’ economy

By Orphe Divounguy, Joe Tabor

11/26/2017

In 2017 the Illinois General Assembly passed two bills that can improve employment outcomes for ex-offenders, potentially reducing crime and saving millions of dollars.

TAGS: criminal justice reform, expungement, record sealing, sealing expansion

Jury awards record $44.7M in Chicago police misconduct case

By Brendan Bakala

10/30/2017

This latest amount broke the previous city payout record of $25 million for a wrongful conviction suit in 2012.

TAGS: CPD: Chicago Police Department, criminal justice reform, police misconduct

Illinois House approves warrantless wiretapping bill

By Amy Korte

10/27/2017

A measure passed by the Illinois House of Representatives would extend the law that permits state’s attorneys to authorize wiretaps without a court-issued warrant.

TAGS: criminal justice reform, privacy

Opioid crisis: Kentucky’s reforms, Illinois’ problems and overprescription in workers’ comp

By Amy Korte

10/16/2017

As opioid abuse ravages Illinois, lawmakers must take action to root out overprescription in the state’s workers’ compensation system.

TAGS: criminal justice reform, Kentucky, opioid, workers compensation

Chicago Police Department audit reveals millions lost in overtime abuse and waste

By Brendan Bakala

10/04/2017

The city’s police department has gone over budget for overtime every year for the past six years, costing Chicago taxpayers $575 million in spending for overtime pay.

TAGS: Chicago, CPD: Chicago Police Department, criminal justice reform, police, police misconduct

Rauner signs civil asset forfeiture reform into law

By Brendan Bakala

09/19/2017

The new law will transfer the burden of proof to law enforcement in forfeiture proceedings.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner, civil asset forfeiture, criminal justice reform

Illinois lawmakers hear testimony for marijuana legalization proposals

By Brendan Bakala

09/07/2017

Two bills to legalize marijuana currently sit in Springfield.

TAGS: criminal justice reform, Heather Steans, Kelly Cassidy, legalization, marijuana