Criminal record restriction applications now available online from Macon DA’s office

It’s part of many job applications that many Americans don’t have to think about. But for those with a criminal record, applications and background searches can disqualify them from work they’d otherwise be qualified for.

Now, some Bibb County residents can apply online to have their criminal records restricted from employment searches as part of a new program from Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney David Cooke. The Macon Judicial Circuit includes Peach and Crawford counties.

Georgia law provides for the restriction of certain criminal history records for non-criminal justice purposes, such as employment, when approved by a prosecuting attorney, according to Cooke’s office. Eligible individuals include people whose cases were disposed of without a conviction, who successfully completed a pre-trial intervention or diversion program or who were convicted of certain misdemeanors under age 21.

“Eligible individuals can now submit applications from the convenience of a computer or smartphone, and without a fee,” Cooke announced in May. “I believe in second chances, and this service will give many people opportunities that were previously out of reach.”

Human impact

Criminal record restrictions can provide a new path forward for local residents and ultimately leads to reduced crime, according to Cooke.

Deborah Ferguson, an activities director at a local adult day care center, had her record restricted before the online portal became available. She said the process, which took several years, “changed her life.”

“It’s changed my life tremendously and not only has it changed my life for the better, but it’s given my children more opportunities because I’m able to do more for them,” she said. “I’m able to make more money and I’m able to show them, hey, you might make a mistake, but sometimes you can get past that mistake if you persevere and keep trying and do the right thing.”

Why restrict records?

Ferguson is one of many people who have benefited from record restriction, but the community of Middle Georgia as a whole would also stand to gain thanks to the portal, Cooke believes.

“My office has offered record restriction for years, this is not a new thing, but the elevation of it to these huge events that we’ve had happened after I saw data that showed that when a community expands record restriction, crime goes down,” he said.

More than 8,500 crimes were reported in Bibb County in both 2016 and 2017, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, but Cooke and his office believe that easily accessible record restriction could help curb those numbers.

While treating crime is one reason to restrict records, Cooke also wants to help people more directly using the new portal.

“There’s nothing like seeing a person realize that that weight is finally lifted off them,” Cooke said. “I’ve literally seen grown women and men just break down and weep, because, you know, before they knew their mom had forgiven them, they knew their church and forgiven them. But it’s another thing when they feel like the state and society as a whole hasn’t let it go even though they paid for their crap a long time ago.”

To access the online Record Restriction application portal, visit macondistrictattorney.org, click on the Criminal Justice Reform link and complete the one-page digital form.

This story was originally published June 23, 2020 at 10:48 PM.