Officials with the Augusta Judicial Circuit are trying to make it easier for individuals to remove charged offenses and arrests from their public criminal histories.
The “Augusta Second-Chance Desk” is a partnership with the Georgia Justice Project, Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System and state court solicitors in Richmond and Burke counties to give the public better access to the service.
A ribbon cutting is scheduled for Tuesday. The desk, located at the main library branch, opens to the public Wednesday. It will be staffed the first Wednesday of each month. Appointments are required. Register online at www.augustaga.gov/3142/Second-Chance-Desk.
“We are thrilled to expand our Second Chance Desk model to Augusta,” said Douglas Ammar, executive director of the Georgia Justice Project.
The partnership will “ensure that individuals in Richmond and Burke counties have access to the resources they need to rebuild their lives,” Ammar said.
Minor offenses and convictions can be a barrier to individuals seeking jobs, licenses, housing, college admissions and more.
The “record restriction” process doesn’t completely remove the charges – they remain visible to law enforcement – but gets them off the databases employers and agencies use to conduct background checks.
Solicitor General Omeeka Loggins, whose office spearheaded the local program in 2018, said the clinic has no local cost and can make a huge difference in someone’s life.
“We’ve got to attack the issues we’re having in our community from both sides. You’ve got to have hardcore prosecutions and you’ve to have programs to divert certain charges,” she said.
“If you don’t have people working, if you don’t have people doing something, whether they’re getting in school or need housing, if you don’t address those issues, you’re going to have an increase in crime.”
There are various limits on the types of charges and convictions that can be restricted and sealed and a lifetime cap of two. Misdemeanors and felonies that occurred in the circuit are eligible. Completing a diversion program such as accountability or veteran court can make an individual with no subsequent issues eligible.
An attorney at the desk will review an individual’s criminal history and show them how to file the appropriate forms to restrict them.
District Attorney Jared Williams said in a statement his office supports the program.
“My office is dedicated to ensuring that we have a criminal justice system that doesn’t hold people back but helps people get on track,” he said. “Removing barriers to employment, housing, and occupational licensing through a permanent record clearing resource like a Second Chance Desk supports our efforts.”
