Resources

Court-Related Resources

Chicago & Cook County

Circuit Court of Cook County

The Circuit Court of Cook County handles criminal, civil, and juvenile cases in Cook County. The court’s website provides information on court locations, accessing case dockets, filing instructions, and hearing schedules.

Cook County Juvenile Court

The Juvenile Court hears cases involving minors, including delinquency, abuse, and neglect matters. Families can find court information and resources to navigate juvenile proceedings on their website.

Juvenile Probation & Court Services Department

This department provides supervision for youth under the age of 18 who have been found delinquent and connects youth and families to community-based services in Cook County.

Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC)

JTDC houses youth awaiting court proceedings in Cook County. Families can visit the website for visitation policies, programming details, and support resources.

Cook County Public Defender’s Office

The Public Defender’s Office provides free legal representation to adults and youth who are charged with crimes in Cook County and cannot afford an attorney.

Cook County Sheriff’s Office

The Sheriff’s Office manages the Cook County Jail, courthouse security, and law enforcement services. Their website provides location information for individuals in custody, visitation information, and community resources.

Illinois

Juvenile Expungement

Illinois offers a free process to expunge records for individuals arrested, charged, or found delinquent before they were 18 years old. If you would like free legal assistance to expunge Cook County juvenile records, there is a Juvenile Expungement Help Desk at the Cook County Juvenile Center. They provide walk-in assistance and access to your juvenile records at no charge. Learn more about juvenile expungement at the Office of the State Appellate Defender’s website.

Adult Expungement & Sealing

Illinois offers an expungement and sealing process for adults with qualifying arrests and convictions to help clear their criminal records. While there are filing fees, fee waivers are available. Free help desks—including those run by Cabrini Green Legal Aid and the Moran Center—provide guidance in preparing petitions and advocating at hearings. Learn more about adult expungement at the Office of the State Appellate Defender’s website.

Office of the State Appellate Defender (OSAD)

OSAD provides free legal representation in criminal appeals and select post-conviction matters in Illinois for individuals who cannot afford an attorney. Its website offers comprehensive information on appeals, expungement, clemency, and reentry.

Illinois Prison Project (IPP)

IPP works to reunite families by advocating for clemency, compassionate release, and second chances for incarcerated individuals in Illinois, with a focus on those serving lengthy sentences. IPP provides resources, guidance, and legal representation to incarcerated individuals and families navigating post-conviction options.

Federal

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

This federal court handles criminal and civil cases arising in the Northern District of Illinois. The court’s website provides access to case dockets, information about filing procedures, and resources about post-conviction motions and appeals.

Federal Defender Program for the Northern District of Illinois

The Federal Defender Program provides free legal representation to individuals facing federal criminal charges or post-conviction proceedings who cannot afford an attorney.

Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals

The Seventh Circuit hears cases from federal district courts in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Incarcerated individuals and families can use the court’s website to track case dockets, understand appeal procedures, and access forms for post-conviction filings.

Office of the Pardon Attorney (OPA)

The Office of the Pardon Attorney assists the President in the exercise of executive clemency, which includes sentence commutations and pardons. Incarcerated individuals and families can use the website to access forms, instructions, and status updates on pending clemency petitions.

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)

NACDL is a nationwide organization that supports criminal defense attorneys and advocates for fairness in the criminal system. Its website offers a wealth of resources, including information on post-conviction at both the state and federal levels. A federal clemency tipsheet co-authored by Professor Zunkel is also available on the NACDL website.

FAMM (formerly Families Against Mandatory Minimums)

FAMM advocates for fairer sentencing laws and works to end mandatory minimums at both the state and federal levels. The organization provides resources on clemency, compassionate release, and sentencing reform, and supports families navigating post-conviction advocacy. While FAMM does not provide direct representation, it partners with NACDL to run the Federal Compassionate Release Clearinghouse, which connects federal prisoners with grounds for compassionate release with pro bono counsel.

Illinois Reentry Resources

The Office of the State Appellate Defender (OSAD) provides information about reentry resources around the state for individuals who are currently or were recently incarcerated.

Nationwide Reentry Resources

General Resources

The National Reentry Resource Center

The nation’s leading source of reentry information and guidance, featuring links to agencies nationwide that provide reentry support and services.

Fair Shake Reentry Resources Center

A comprehensive hub that helps connect to reentry resources across the country.

Office of Justice Programs

The Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs includes information on federally funded reentry organizations, current reentry-related legislation, and a spotlight on juvenile justice initiatives.

Volunteers of America Illinois

Offers a range of reentry support services, which may vary by local office.

Food and Shelter

Feeding America

Connect with local food banks through a nationwide network providing access to free groceries and meals.

Shelter Listings

A searchable database for housing support, including homeless shelters, transitional housing, and low-cost options.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Provides financial assistance for purchasing food. Formerly known as food stamps.

Transitional Housing Directory

Search for transitional and sober living housing options nationwide.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Provides resources on housing, shelter, healthcare, and clothing across U.S. communities.

Women and Infant Children (WIC) Program

Offers nutritional support for low-income pregnant people and families with children under five.

Employment

CareerOneStop

Job search assistance specifically tailored to individuals with criminal records.

Council of State Governments Collateral Consequences

Explore how different criminal convictions impact employment opportunities.

Jobs that Hire Felons

Provides a list of companies that hire individuals with felony convictions.

H.I.R.E. Network

State-specific job reentry support, including guidance on criminal record mitigation and referrals to services.

Healthcare

Health Care for Reentry Veterans

VA program supporting veterans post-incarceration to reduce homelessness and promote stability.

HRSA Health Centers

Search health centers that provide affordable medical, dental, and behavioral care.

Health Coverage for Incarcerated People

Explanation of special healthcare rules for incarcerated individuals.

Medicaid & CHIP

Free or low-cost health insurance for eligible low-income individuals and families.

RxAssist

Programs to help individuals access affordable medications.

Education

Federal Student Aid: Impact of incarceration

Understand eligibility for federal education funding after a criminal conviction.

BestAccredited Colleges: Earning a degree after incarceration

Resources for pursuing education and employment after release.

Forms of Identification

USA.gov directory for replacing Birth Certificates, Driver’s License or State ID Cards, Social Security Cards, Medicare Cards, Medicaid Cards, U.S. Passports, Naturalization Certificate, and Military ID cards.