Coalition Legal is doing more than helping clients clear old criminal records. Our team is advocating for change across the legal system, and our efforts are making a difference.
Until this month, anyone filing an expungement petition in Lake County who did not qualify for a waiver of court filing fees had to deliver a physical check of $60 to the court house.
For our staff members, who mostly work remotely, that required several hours of time to travel to and from the court house.
Earlier this year, Coalition Legal President/Managing Attorney Stephen Miller testified before the Lake County Board requesting a transition to all electronic payments which is how counties across the state operate.
He explained that requiring a physical check placed an unfair financial burden on pro bono law clinics who have to pay an employee to make the delivery.
Just last week, we learned the Lake County Clerk’s Office switched the system, and now those fees are payable electronically.
“We got the procedure changed because it was causing a burden on our staff, but it benefits everyone in Lake County who files an expungement,” Miller said.
