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1. What is the ACC Second Chance Desk?

The ACC Second Chance Desk is a free monthly help desk taking place in the ACC Public Utilities Department. Residents can have their criminal history reviewed by an attorney, get a free consultation, and receive assistance filling out pro se (filed on your behalf) restriction and sealing forms for eligible offenses. 

2. Why a Second Chance Desk?

Record restriction (and sealing) eligibility and the process for applying can be confusing and intimidating for many people. 

Many who would be eligible to restrict and seal their criminal records never do so because they are not aware that remedies are available to them and/or are not sure how to access those remedies. 

 As a result, millions of Georgians face barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities. This has a negative impact on individuals, families, and on our community. This desk will be able to help people with this often-confusing process of clearing their criminal histories.

3. What is record restriction?

Record restriction means that eligible records on your official Georgia criminal history report are restricted from public view and are only accessible to law enforcement and some government agencies for criminal justice purposes. 

To learn more about restricting and sealing your Georgia record, visit: www.gjp.org/record-restriction-expungement/faq/.

4. What is record sealing?

Sealing means that eligible court records are sealed from public view and are only accessible to law enforcement and some government agencies for criminal justice purposes. Cases that have been sealed/expunged should not appear on a private background check. 

To learn more about restricting and sealing your Georgia record, visit: www.gjp.org/record-restriction-expungement/faq/.

5. Can I clean up my Georgia criminal history?

Learn more about what is eligible for restriction and sealing (commonly known as expungement) under Georgia law at https://gjp.org/record-restriction-expungement/faq/ or by reading this two-page flyer of FAQs on 'Can I clean up my Georgia criminal history?'

6. What can I do if I apply for a job/housing and am denied based on my record?

• You can request a copy of the background check used to deny you and dispute any inaccuracies. To learn more about disputing private background checks, visit https://gjp.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023.8.1-FCRA-One-Pager-With-Letter.pdf.  
• If offenses on the background check are from Athens-Clarke County or Oconee County, consider making an appointment with the ACC Desk to see if any of the offenses on your record are eligible for restriction and sealing. 

7. How do I register for an appointment at the ACC Second Chance Desk?

Currently, you must pre-register for an appointment to be seen at the desk. Appointment registration opens on the first day of every month. If there are no available appointments, you will have to wait for registration to reopen. Please click below to complete the registration information and select an appointment date and time. 

If you have questions, please call 706-613-3215 (Solicitor-General's Office) or email secondchanceathens@gjp.org (Georgia Justice Project).