In Georgia, approximately 3.8 million people (or a third of Georgia’s population) have a criminal record. This includes not just convictions, but charges and arrests (both felony and misdemeanor) and may include arrests for cases that have been dismissed. These criminal records, which appear when a potential employer runs a background check, can stand in the way of an individual getting a job or finding suitable housing. In certain circumstances, individuals can seek to have their records sealed so that they no longer appear on background checks – see here [link to https://kevinfisherlegal.com/practice-areas/criminal-law/expungement/].
On January 27, 2018, the Fulton County Solicitor’s Office, a consortium of Georgia labor unions, and other community partners will be holding the Labor & Government Restorative Justice Freedom Summit. At the Summit, the record sealing process, which normally takes 150 days, is expedited for those with a misdemeanor arrest but no conviction. Other resources will be available at the summit, including an ex-offender job fair and interviews, housing assistance, and voter registration. The Solicitor’s Office encourages interested individuals to pre-register at www.fultonrestorativejustice.org, although walk-ins are also welcome. The event will be located at the I.B.E.W. building at 501 Pulliam Street, SW, in downtown Atlanta from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Free parking will be available.
Keep in mind that, even if your charges do not qualify for expungement at the Summit, you may nonetheless have options for getting your records sealed. I have handled many such cases and would be happy to speak with you about your options. Call me today.
