State Senator Raoul’s Innovative Diversion Plan becomes law

“It’s not enough to be tough on crime; we have to be smart on crime” – Illinois State Senator Kwame Raoul (D-13th)

 

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Thanks to legislation sponsored by Illinois State Senator Kwame Raoul (D-13^th), Illinois law now allows first-time, non-violent offenders to participate in a two-year diversion program similar to probation. Once they successfully complete the program, their records will immediately be expunged, increasing their odds of getting a job and staying out of prison.

“It’s not enough just to be tough on crime; we have to be smart on crime,” Sen. Raoul said. “With our prisons filled beyond their intended capacity and our state budget stretched thin, we simply can’t afford to lock away non-violent offenders with a high likelihood of making restitution, addressing any behavioral or substance abuse problems, and turning their lives around. Enrolling these individuals in alternative programs will be cheaper and more effective than traditional incarceration.”

Senate Bill 3349, signed today by Governor Quinn, allows offenders convicted or indicted on certain felony charges (including burglary, theft, forgery, possession of a stolen vehicle, and drug possession) to participate in the “offender initiative” program only with the consent of the state’s attorney and a judge. During their two years in the program, offenders must meet minimum conditions set by a judge, such as making restitution to victims, performing community service, holding a job, completing a treatment program, and/or passing drug tests. Participants may not own a firearm during the probation period, and if they reoffend within five years, the expunged records can still be used against them in a trial.

“It has been an honor to work with Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez and her office on this legislation,” said Sen. Raoul, who this spring also sponsored a new “early release” law with comprehensive safeguards. “We have seen this year that there is bipartisan momentum toward addressing the aspects of our correctional system that aren’t working and adopting tools to help us utilize our resources wisely.”