Last summer, Kendall Robinson was in his car when his parking job drew the attention of south suburban police officers, according to Robinson and court records.

When the officers approached, they found a pistol, records show. And though Robinson said he had a firearm owners identification card, he did not have a concealed carry license, so he was arrested.

“I didn’t need that on me,” said Robinson, who has a baby daughter. “I didn’t need that record.”

After a year of hard work in a Cook County restorative justice court, Robinson will likely avoid that gun arrest marring his record, but he is among a dwindling population of gun offenders working toward a second chance in community courts that seek to offer a gentler version of justice .

Making good on a campaign promise, State’s Attor

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