When CARPLS Supervising Attorney Josh Niewoehner stepped into Sheridan Correctional Center to speak about expungement, he didn’t expect to be standing in a crowded hallway, surrounded by men eager for information and hope. “Some sat through the presentation twice,” he recalled. “They just wanted to know that someone out there could help them start again.”
That moment—and the many that have followed—sparked something in Josh. Since then, he’s visited correctional centers across Illinois, sharing vital information about expungement and sealing with people preparing to return home. “People can’t believe they might be eligible,” he said. “They always ask, ‘How much does it cost?’ They’re shocked when I tell them we can help for free.”
At CARPLS, we know that expungement is more than a legal process—it’s a lifeline. For those leaving incarceration, it can open doors to jobs, housing, and more. It’s also a way to shed the weight of stigma and reclaim a future filled with opportunity.
Josh shared one particularly meaningful moment: reconnecting with an old client named Reggie during a prison visit. “He gave me a hug and remembered me from years ago. It meant so much. These are the moments that remind you why this work matters.”
But the challenges are real. Many people aren’t aware that their records can eventually be cleared, or that they can get help from organizations like CARPLS. “The hardest part is just getting started,” Josh said. “We walk people through the steps—making a call, getting your RAP sheet, scheduling an appointment. And we remind them: showing up is already step one.”
Through the New Leaf Illinois initiative, CARPLS provides vital support to people navigating life after incarceration. “The image of who’s in prison doesn’t match the reality,” Josh said. “These are some of the smartest, most determined people I’ve met. They study, they prepare, and they want better—for themselves and for their families.”
Josh believes expungement work should begin inside correctional facilities. “We should be there—with palm cards, brochures, even just someone to talk to—so people know that their worst day doesn’t have to define the rest of their lives.”
At CARPLS, we’re proud to stand at the intersection of justice, dignity, and opportunity. Your support makes it possible for us to reach those who need us most—sometimes in the most unexpected places.
Written By: Rabiah Na’Allah, CARPLS Communications Coordinator
