SECOND CHANCE DESKS
Second Chance Desks are a creative and efficient way to bring record clearing services to as many Georgians as possible.
What is a Second Chance Desk?
The Second Chance Desk is a community-based resource where individuals can have their criminal history reviewed by an attorney, receive a free consultation, and obtain assistance submitting pro se materials to clear eligible history. Second Chance Desks are launched in partnership with local prosecutors/community partners to create a manageable and streamlined process for everyone involved.
In 2021, GJP helped open the Second Chance Desk in Cobb County, the first of its kind in Georgia. Since its inception, the Second Chance Desk has grown significantly with new Second Chance Desks opening in Augusta (serving Richmond and Burke counties) and Athens (serving Clarke & Oconee counties). Each additional location allows us to reach more individuals and provide them with the resources they need to clear their records.
Why are Second Chance Desks important?
The process and eligibility for record restriction & sealing can be confusing and intimidating for many people. Many individuals with a criminal history who would be eligible to restrict and seal their record never do so because they are not aware what remedies are available to them, are not sure how to access those remedies, or cannot afford to pay an attorney to assist them. As a result, millions of Georgians face barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities – which has a negative impact on individuals, families, and on our community. Free record clearing through the Second Chance Desk helps to remove these barriers and helps prosecutors streamline the record clearing process for their offices and their communities.
If you have charges in any of these five counties (Cobb, Burke, Richmond, Athens-Clarke, Oconee), see below about how to apply for assistance through the appropriate Desk.
Currently, priority services is by appointment only. Walk-ins will be handled on a case-by-case basis depending upon availability.
If you have charges from any another Georgia county, you may apply through GJP’s regular intake process by first attending a virtual First Friday educational presentation. More information about expungement in Georgia can be found here.
Cobb County Second Chance Desk
Registration: Click here to register for a consultation at the Cobb Second Chance Desk. New appointment dates are posted the third Friday of every month. If you don’t see any available appointments, you will have to wait for the third Friday of the month to register.
Location: 10 East Park Square, Suite 350, Marietta, GA, 30090
Contact Info: secondchanceCOBB@GJP.org or call (404) 834-8604
Hours: Every Friday, 9:00 am – 2:30 pm
Athens Second Chance Desk (Clarke & Oconee Counties)
Registration: Click here to register for a consultation at the Athens Second Chance Desk. New appointment dates are posted the first Monday of every month. If you don’t see any available appointments, you will have to wait for the first Monday of the month to register.
Location: 124 E Hancock Ave., Athens, GA 30601 (Second floor of ACC Public Utilities Dept.)
Hours: Third Thursday of every month, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Contact Info: SecondChanceAthens@GJP.org or call 470-423-5177
Augusta Second Chance Desk (Richmond & Burke Counties)
Registration: Click here to register for a consultation at the Augusta Second Chance Desk. New appointment dates are posted the first Monday of every month. If you don’t see any available appointments, you will have to wait for the first Monday of the month to register.
Hours: First Wednesday of every month from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Contact Info: SecondChanceAugusta@GJP.org or call (404) 640-7821
Location: 823 Telfair Street Augusta, GA, 30901 (Augusta Richmond County Public Library Headquarters)