(Marietta, GA – June 28, 2023) The Cobb County Second Chance Desk, a record restriction program, just celebrated two big milestones – second anniversary and helping clear 1,000 criminal records.

The first of its kind in Georgia when it launched in June 2021, the program strives to assist individuals in having their criminal history reviewed by an attorney, with a free consultation and receive assistance completing applications for restriction and motion to seal eligible offenses (record clearing in Georgia is a two-step process – restriction and sealing – which most states call expungement).

Many Cobb County residents are eligible to have their dismissed charges, misdemeanor convictions, and some pardoned felony convictions restricted and sealed. Since its inception, the Cobb Second Chance Desk has hit a record number of 1000 actions to clear or correct criminal records. This number includes the total number of restrictions, petitions to seal, and petitions to restrict/seal an eligible conviction submitted to both the District Attorney and Solicitor’s Offices. This also includes the number of corrections completed through the desk.

 “This is huge milestone for our office, the Georgia Justice Project and our partners with the Second Chance Desk. Our work on responsible restorative justice has enabled lives to be restored and former offenders to fully engage in our community as productive citizens. Allowing them to find suitable employment, garner promotions, and better housing for their families. The Second Chance Desk makes our county safer and enhances Cobb County’s reputation as the best place in Georgia to live, work and play.” said Cobb District Attorney Flynn D. Broady, Jr.

Brenda Smeeton, the Legal Director for Georgia Justice Project, praised the desk by stating, “Georgia Justice Project was thrilled when the legislature expanded access to criminal record clearing in 2021 for the over 4.5 million Georgians that have a criminal history.  We knew that ensuring access to restriction and sealing, which can be a costly and lengthy process, would require effective community partnerships.  The Cobb County District Attorney's office and Solicitor General's office were the first to establish a Second Chance Desk and have led the way for other jurisdictions.  We are grateful to everyone who has a role in helping Cobb residents move on from their past and access opportunity.”

About the Second Chance Desk

The Cobb Second Chance Desk is a partnership with the Georgia Justice Project, the Cobb County Circuit Defender’s Office, Cobb County District Attorney, the Office of the Solicitor General of Cobb County, and the Cobb Judicial Circuit. The Second Chance Desk is housed in the Circuit Defender’s Office located at 10 East Park Square, Marietta, GA. Pre-registration is highly recommended to secure a spot. The desk is staffed by Georgia Justice Project personnel on Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, please call 404-834-8605 or email secondchancedesk@cobbcounty.org. To schedule an appointment, please visit https://judicial.cobbcounty.org/CobbSecondChanceDesk/.

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