Georgia Justice Project - Second Chance Desk

With over 4.5 million individuals having a Georgia criminal record, and 1 in 24 Georgians currently under correctional control (jail, prison, probation, and parole) compared to 1 in 60 nationally, many individuals encounter barriers to employment, education, and housing, decreasing chances for stability. To respond to this overwhelming need, GJP will maintain and operate Second Chance Desks in Cobb County, Athens-Clarke & Oconee Counties and the Augusta Judicial Circuit and annually provide criminal record consultation and clearing services for approximately 600 low- to moderate-income Georgia residents facing barriers from a no longer relevant criminal history. The primary benefit of opening Second Chance desks is having a community-based resource that increases the volume of cases handled by establishing a streamlined process with local partners, allowing more people to take advantage of positive changes in Georgia’s expungement laws.

GJP has the management structure, staff functions, and supportive infrastructure needed to implement all aspects of our Second Chance Desk efforts across the state. GJP's criminal records legal team is made up of a legal director, 4 full-time attorneys dedicated to record clearing, and 3 attorneys to assist with volunteer efforts. Combined, each attorney has an average of 10 years of experience in criminal law and all are members of the Georgia Bar. GJP's attorneys and social workers are supported by a 7-person intake and legal support team who field requests for services, prepare files, follow up with clients, prepare draft orders, and maintain updated records. GJP employs a part-time accountant and comptroller and contracts with an IT company to oversee our soft- and hardware needs.

For the purposes of this grant, our goals are as follows.

GJP will continue to work in partnership with the Cobb County District Attorney and Solicitor to promote the program, register applicants, and complete the record restriction and sealing process. Annually, the Cobb Second Chance Desk will serve 300-325 individuals facing barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities due to a criminal history.
GJP will work in partnership with local government stakeholders to operate a monthly Second Chance Desk for Athens-Clarke and Oconee County residents. Annually, the desk will assist 120-150 individuals by clearing 180-200 eligible records for residents.
GJP will work in partnership with local government stakeholders to operate a monthly Second Chance Desk for Augusta area residents and will assist 120-150 individuals by clearing 180-200 eligible records for residents of Richmond and Burke Counties.