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Event Highlighting the Need for Restriction of Convictions in Georgia

Wednesday, March 21^st, 2018, there will be a press conference at 12:00 PM at the Georgia Capitol in the Rotunda, organized by the Office of Fulton County District Attorney, Paul Howard, to highlight the need for restriction of convictions in Georgia. 
 
Since Georgia Justice Project’s (GJP) policy work began 10 years ago, we have worked to reduce barriers for justice-involved individuals by limiting public access to criminal records. The restricting and sealing of certain, older convictions would remove barriers to employment and housing for many Georgians, allowing them to create a stable life for themselves and their families.
 
GJP presented a proposal for the restricting and sealing of convictions for individuals demonstrating evidence of rehabilitation to the Governor’s Council on Criminal Justice Reform, which was adopted as a recommendation in the Council’s 2018 report.
 
Galvanized by the impact of Fulton County’s three record restriction summits, the office of Paul Howard advocated for the restriction and sealing of convictions during the 2018 session. GJP was glad to have the support of Paul Howard’s office on this important issue.
 
For the first time in Georgia’s history, this process was introduced as a bill and heard by committee. We were encouraged by the support of the Governor’s Council on Criminal Justice Reform and several legislators. We plan to capitalize on this momentum and make this essential policy change a reality in the 2019 session.
 
Wednesday’s press conference will include all of the partners listed below, as well as several additional speakers, with the aim of engaging the public and legislators in the discussion.

• Fulton County District Attorney, Paul Howard
• Douglas B. Ammar, Executive Director, Georgia Justice Project
• Reverend Dr. Raphael Warnock, Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church
• Keith Gammage, Solicitor General of Fulton County
• Reverend Dr. Kevin R. Murriel, Pastor of Cascade United Methodist Church
• Mr. Roger Wise, Longtime Republican Fulton County community supporter

This Monday, March 19^th, 2018, the aforementioned partners in this effort held a press conference at Ebenezer Baptist Church. After the press conference, the speakers took a letter to the Governor’s office to request a meeting with the Governor to garner his support on the issue.
 
If you have any questions about these events, please contact Chris Hopper, Director of Public Affairs, Fulton County District Attorney’s Office.
 
Chris.Hopper@fultoncountyga.gov
(404)-612-0560
 
To learn more, read coverage of the effort by the Atlanta Journal Constitution and the Daily Report. 

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