Public Act 97-1113 went into effect on January 1, 2013,
in the state of Illinois. It states that the time frame a convicted felon must
wait after completion of his sentence before applying for a Certificate of Good
Conduct or a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities has been reduced from
three (3) years to two (2) years. This law also allows a person who was
convicted of a felony more than twice to receive these certificates, as well as
a person residing in Illinois who was convicted of a crime outside of the state
of Illinois.
A convicted felon’s road to rehabilitation – in terms of
adjusting to life outside of prison and resuming normal social activities
including working – is quite difficult. There are many restrictions placed on
felons, including who they may associate with, which items they are not
permitted to possess, and much more. One of the biggest obstacles they face is
finding employment. It should come as no surprise that many employers are
reluctant to hire convicted felons, and so these people are often forced to
seek lower-paying positions, like in fast food and other service industries,
despite their education and professional training. This way, convicted felons
are sentenced yet again, but this time to a life of legally sanctioned
discrimination in things like housing, education, and especially employment.
This is where the Certificate of Good Standing comes in.
It provides evidence that an ex-convict has been rehabilitated for purposes of
employment. A convicted felon may show his prospective employer the certificate
and this, in addition to various federal programs that provide incentives to
employers that hire rehabilitated convicts, eases slightly the path to being
gainfully employed for those who have been disenfranchised by the state in this
way.
Once an ex-felon has a job, an important hurdle has been
overcome. That individual is now able to lawfully earn an income and pay for
basic needs like housing and food. With gainful employment, an ex-felon no
longer feels strongly compelled to return to a life of crime in order to
survive, and can turn his attentions to other desires and goals toward
self-improvement. When this is the case, everyone benefits.
Make no mistake: it is still very difficult for convicted
felons to put their crimes behind them, turn over a new leaf, and resume
leading normal lives. But Illinois lawmakers have taken a small step in making
it easier for ex-convicts to gain employment by making the waiting period to
receive this certificate 33% shorter.
There is still much work to be done if we intend to
commit ourselves to the honorable task of helping those convicted of felonies
resume their rightful place as upstanding, productive members of society, but
baby steps are still important steps. Anything that extends a helping hand to
convicted felons, who are quite a politically, economically, and socially
vulnerable group in our country, deserves appreciation and the renewing of our
commitment to rehabilitation.
If you or a loved one is currently dealing with a
criminal investigation or prosecution on the misdemeanor or felony level, time
is of the essence. Contact the Law Offices of Raymond G.Wigell, Ltd., at (708)
481 – 4800. Attorneys are available 24/7, and the first consultation is free.
With our 36 years of experience, let us help you in your time of need.
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