In New Jersey, there are hundreds of reasons why someone’s driving privileges can be suspended, including reasons that have little to do with unsafe driving. Suspended driving privileges can force people to choose between continuing to drive to keep their employment and risk more fines and/or criminal charges, or seeking new employment accessible by public transportation or within walking distance from their home. Further, even for those who can secure steady employment close to home, many jobs require a valid license even when the job responsibilities do not entail driving.
How Pro Bono Legal Services Can Secure Second Chances
Nine out of ten employers check criminal records when determining who to hire. Four out of five landlords use background checks when choosing tenants. Three in five colleges and universities consider criminal backgrounds when deciding who to admit. When you have a criminal record, the sentence does not end once time is served or fine paid; the stigma of having a criminal past follows well into the future. Thankfully expungement has the power to change that. Volunteer Lawyers for Justice’s ReLeSe (Reentry Legal Services) Program provides access to expungement for neighbors and community members, and when you volunteer with ReLeSe, you provide that life-changing relief.