How can people who want a better future achieve their goals

 MACON, Ga. -- Those with a criminal history can have a difficult time finding work or a home.

Background checks can uncover past violations that could make the applicant unsuitable for potential landlords or employers.

It may mean reducing their criminal history.

The revised Georgia law allows records to be removed from the public's view of many misdemeanors and felony convictions.

Records cannot be erased completely or expunged. However, they can only be viewed by law enforcement to support criminal justice.

How can people who want a better future achieve their goals

Gov. Brian Kemp signed the "second opportunity" bill into law in August. This revision allows record restrictions for charges that have been dismissed or for cases in which the prosecutor decides not to proceed with the case. It also applies to certain convictions from at least 10 years ago.

The individual must have met court-ordered financial obligations, and not be convicted of any felonies to be eligible. Other people who have been through alternative sentencing or pre-trial diversion programs could also be eligible.

Other stipulations of the law are best understood by lawyers, but they are often not known to anyone who needs a fresh start.

Changing the Face of Justice Day

 

Anita Howard , Macon Judicial Circuit District attorney, will host Wednesday's "Changing Face of Justice Day" which includes a virtual town hall at 4 p.m. about Georgia's record restriction process.

Even if you have served your sentence and completed your probation, the stigma can still hang over your head. Keisha Carter, community relations coordinator at the Macon Judicial Circuit, stated that there is an opportunity to remove that stigma so that you can live your lives.

Howard's office employs a record restriction specialist, but there is a need for more.

The DA works with volunteers from the Georgia Justice Project and State Bar of Georgia.

Bill Adams, a retired judge, left the State Court bench to help fill in the gaps in legal services that he witnessed during his career.

Adams stated, "We all agree that this is something we should be doing as community and reaching back to people to let them know it can be done and reaching to get those things done."

He is now the leader of Middle Georgia Justice which is a non-profit organization that provides legal services to those who can't afford an attorney.

Middle Georgia Justice charges a fee to support fledgling mike hostilo macon ga lawyers in setting up their own law practice. During the 18-month incubator program, they will provide pro bono or reduced-fee legal services.

Records restriction falls within the purview of the organization, but it can be time-consuming.

Adams will draft law students to pull together some criminal histories. This broad approach will allow Adams to tap into legal resources.

Webinar attendance required
Similar records and informational events regarding restrictions have been held throughout the state.

Register through Eventbrite.com if you are interested in Wednesday's Records Restriction Educational Town Hall.

The webinar was free and 50 people can apply for records restriction within two weeks. Adams stated that attorneys will start the records search by the end the month and hope to complete the process by the summer's end.

Carter believes that the collaboration will make a difference in people's lives.

She said, "It's an amazing partnership and we are really excited."

She said that those who were denied records restriction in the past should still attend the town hall to find out if they can be qualified.

Carter stated, "Once served your sentence, particularly our non-violent offenders have been served their time, we want them to have no reason to offend again, and this is a great method to do that."

A minimum of one additional records restriction event will be held before the end the year.

"We have to not only do our best to protect our citizens, but we also have a responsibility for ensuring justice is served for those who have served their time."

Civic Journalism Senior Fellow covers government entities for the Center for Collaborative Journalism and can be reached at 478-301-2976 or fabian_lj@mercer.edu.


"Appropriate for see what the next thirty days reveal": Macon Water Authority delays voting on board member currently under investigation
Desmond Brown is being investigated by the Macon Water Authority for possible ethics violations.
    00:0000:00     
Author: Anthony MontaltoPublished at 12:28 AM EST on March 4, 2022Updated at 12:49 PM EST on March 4, 2022
MACON, Ga. -- The Macon Water Authority board held off on a decision to ask Gov. Brian Kemp will remove Desmond Brown.

The board is currently investigating Brown's possible misconduct in ethics during his term as a DA. Former DA David Cooke was hired by the board to investigate claims that Brown might have used his position for personal gain. Brown is accused of trying to get the Authority pay for work that his company performed for a client. This is against state ethics laws.

Cooke informed the board that he has more people to speak to, and that he has more concerns. The motion to request Brown's resignation was 'tabled' by members. This means that they will save it for a later meeting to allow Cooke to dig deeper.

"We want him continue. Dwight Jones, a board member, stated that he has still other people to talk to until they come together again.

Brown's contempt case, which was filed last week, was another reason why they decided to put off the decision. Brown was sent to jail by Connie Williford, Bibb County Judge. Brown was convicted of contempt for failing to provide documents post-judgment related to a 2019 lawsuit brought to him by a former business partner.

Friday saw Williford release him and set a March 24 court date for him to return. Although this case is not the same as the investigation by the board, members decided to wait to see how it turns out.

Cooke stated to the board, "It would have been appropriate to see what 30 days brings,"

Cooke stated to the board that although the court case does not directly impact the investigation of the board, it may back up their findings.

Cooke stated, "I believe it would be beneficial for us to hear the results from the contempt case because it may be relevant."

Brown has until March 18th to obtain documents in relation to the contempt case from Samuel Alderman. He is the attorney representing Courtney Baldwin, his ex-business partner. His report-back hearing will take place March 24.

The board's next meeting will be held April 7. At that meeting, the motion to table will expire. Board members will need to vote either 'yes' or "no" or to reconvene to table.


Similar Articles
Macon Water Authority memb