Criminal Justice – Page 4

A Fresh Start with Clear My Record technology

Last month, NewDEAL Leader Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx announced a partnership with Code for America to speed up the process of expunging past cannabis convictions that are now eligible for relief due to legalized recreational marijuana. The Clear My Record technology automatically evaluates eligibility and doesn’t require any input from the affected individual, making it possible for tens of thousands of county residents to get relief quickly. Learn more about the Clear My Record program and SA Foxx’s commitment to “right the wrongs of the past” as criminal justice laws are changed.

Addressing the Roots of Crime in Columbus

NewDEAL Leader Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein unveiled a new pilot program to reduce theft recidivism, aiming to address the underlying needs and instability that drive an individual to repeat theft rather than simply punishing the crime. Repeat offenders who have stolen from large stores will be eligible to be diverted from jail to case workers who will develop a plan tailored to their needs, whether treatment for addiction or access to services for food insecurity. Learn more about the diversion program, which will be funded by a combination of federal and city money.

Supporting Pregnant and Post-Partum Women Serving Time

NewDEAL Leader Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer successfully championed the approval of $500,000 in grants to provide comprehensive services for pregnant women and new mothers serving time in jail. The grants will fund the work of two long-standing nonprofits, which will provide counseling, parenting skills, drug treatment, job placement, and medical care for the women and their very young children. Learn more about the grants, which will help mothers and babies lead healthy and productive lives.

Criminal Justice Reform in Dallas County, TX

As his county explores the financial feasibility of reducing or eliminating criminal fees and fines, NewDEAL Leader Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins is advocating for the reduction of court fees and fines to reform the criminal justice system into one that does not discriminate based on poverty. Judge Jenkins noted that these fees can cause defendants to become stuck in the justice system when they’re forced to choose between paying for basic needs like rent or paying fees, leading to jail time. Read more about the study and recommendations expected by the end of 2019, and Judge Jenkins’ insight on how “ill-thought-out” fees and fines can impact people’s ability to work and go to school.

A Fresh Start with Clear My Record technology

Addressing the Roots of Crime in Columbus

Supporting Pregnant and Post-Partum Women Serving Time

Criminal Justice Reform in Dallas County, TX

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