Great Read - a True Story That Offers Hope

I got a copy of Shaka Senghor's book, Writing my Wrongs, for Christmas. I just could not put it down! What an amazing and insightful story of his journey into the drug trade, incarceration, faith, hope, and redemption.  I highly recommend reading his book, listening to his Ted Talk, and going to his website to learn more. 

Wall Street Journal Discusses Background Checks

Interesting article on the use of background checks and the need to eliminate "the box" from job applications. 

I really appreciate his closing comment:  What we need to do is take a closer look at how we use the word "criminal" and what it really means. Otherwise millions of qualified Americans will be disqualified before they even apply.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323324904579040971327102370.html?ru=yahoo?mod=yahoo_itp

Pave Your Own Path

This radio blog is a must-listen for those that want to be different than the world around them.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/alonzokelly/2013/02/06/wisdom-wednesday-conversation-with-generation-next-1?utm_source=BTRemail&utm_medium=ShowReminder

Proactive Ideas for Handling a Criminal Record

What to do about what’s on it

It is critical that you know what is on it and that you list every case you have when requested by an employer OR you could be denied an opportunity for employment.  Don’t take this for granted in any way.

Expungement

§         Applies to court records only

§         Hides the courthouse file and CCAP record but is still on CIB

§         Issues:

·        Were you under 21 and committed a misdemeanor?

·        Are you off paper and trouble free?

·        Talk to judge’s clerk for information on how to request it

Hiding Records

§         A judge orders a record removed from CCAP if the conviction is inflammatory or immediately preventing employment

§         Need a lawyer to get this done

§         Must prove there is harm being done by the record being out there

Record Removal

o       Arrests resulting in no prosecution, dismissal, or acquittal can be removed from CIB

o       Must file a removal request with the CIB – one request for each cycle to be removed

o       Does not remove a case from CCAP

Pardon

o       Rare and not helpful