I created a group on Facebook called Second Chances for Former Felons. The idea behind the group is based on the belief that not everyone with a conviction on their record is a criminal. They do not regualrly steal, sell drugs, etc. The group excludes sex offenders and violent offenders.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=131733900186001
A very real and simple (personal) example is an 18 year old young man gets in a stolen car with some friends after succumbing to peer pressure. Eventually gets pulled over and has a felony receiving stolen property conviction on his criminal record. Seventeen years later he attempts a career change and is denied the job after scoring exceptionally high on every apptitude test and does very well in three interveiws but can not be hired due to corporate policy. He is forever labeled a theif when in reality he never stole in his adult life.
The ultimate goal of the group is to introduce legislation in all 50 states and nationally that would expunge certain offenses meeting certain criteria after a set period of time with no new arrests. Some states already have an expungement process but it is very rare for adult crimes. All offer pardons but that does not eliminate the record. Just states it was pardoned.
So we are at the moment a grass roots movement looking for members. Active members are great. Non active members are welcome for support.
The link is above. Thanks for taking the time to read this and hope to see you soon.
