Second Chance Stories
There are over 46,000 state and federal restrictions that limit opportunities for people with records — and the majority of those consequences include barriers to life-sustaining essentials like employment, housing, and education.
Effectively, when someone has an arrest or conviction record, it’s like a never-ending punishment for a mistake they’ve already paid for.
That’s what Second Chance Month is all about — and the power of a second chance is seen most clearly when we hear directly from people who have received some kind of Clean Slate. The stories below highlight a few directly impacted people who are involved in Clean Slate work across the country. Take a few moments to read through their stories and learn more about the impact of redemption… because it’s about much #MoreThanSecondChances.
Reginald Darby
Federal Legislative Director,
The Clean Slate Initiative
Around the age of 18 and a senior in high school, I found myself entangled in a situation that would shape the trajectory of my life. It began innocuously enough, with a prank phone call to some classmates along with two friends. Regrettably, during one call, I made a thoughtless remark to a classmate, threatening him with a mechanical pencil. Little did I know, this classmate had a mother who was a victim of domestic violence, making my words all the more insensitive.
The consequences were swift and severe. Called into the principal's office the next day, I was informed that I would be charged with assault by threat and suspended from school for a week. Facing a judge and prosecutor, I was given the opportunity to have my record expunged if I completed certain requirements: community service hours, an anger management course, and a fine, which my single mother had to bear.
Completing these requirements was just the beginning of my journey. Without the expungement of my record, my college acceptance letters would have been nullified due to policies outlined in their student handbooks. Fortunately, with my record expunged, I went on to attend Howard University, secure internships on Capitol Hill, and eventually find my way to organizations like The Clean Slate Initiative, dedicated to providing second chances to individuals like me.
My second chance means everything to me. It's a reminder that one's worst day does not define their future. Through the support of loved ones and the opportunities afforded to me, I've been able to break free from the statistical projections that would have confined me to a different fate. Growing up with a father who has spent much of his life in and out of prison, I understand firsthand the importance of second chances, not just for myself but for all those impacted by the criminal legal system. Today, I stand resolute as living proof of the transformative power of redemption and the limitless potential inherent in every individual when granted the chance to flourish.
Shimere Love
Coalition Coordinator,
Illinois Coalition to End Permanent Punishments
At age 17, my first encounter with the legal system set a trajectory that would profoundly impact my life. However, it wasn’t until I was 27 that I faced a pivotal moment, being convicted of arson and sentenced to 9 years in a Wisconsin state prison. Upon release, I was determined to make a positive change. I pursued my paralegal certification, hoping to start anew. Despite my efforts, I encountered a harsh reality—my criminal record was a barrier to entering the field I had trained for. This setback, compounded by the rapid pace of reintegration, left me grappling with unprocessed emotions from my time behind bars, leading to what is known as Post-Incarceration Syndrome (PICS), manifesting in unexpected emotional outbursts.
Despite these challenges, my second chance has become a beacon of hope and resilience. It’s a chance to rewrite my narrative and advocate for myself and others impacted by the legal system. My experiences have instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and understanding, driving me to create a brighter future not just for myself but for those who are still fighting for their chance at redemption.
My journey is a testament to the power of second chances and the resilience of the human spirit.
Chelsea Murphy
Campaign Strategist,
The Clean Slate Initiative
When I was 20 years old, I was arrested for a DUI. At the time, rideshares like Uber or Lyft did not exist, and taxis were hit or miss. Fortunately, I never hurt anyone, but my life was forever changed that day.
I was able to call my parents to help me out during the legal process, and I’ve been able to move on. But despite having a successful career, I still do not have a clear record almost 20 years later.
Aside from the obvious ability to freely not check a specific box that I have been arrested, a second chance would mean the freedom to not have one of my worst days haunt me forever.
Kevin Reese
Founder,
Until We Are All Free
I was ten years old when I first entered the legal system, and by the time I turned thirty, I had spent two-thirds of those years incarcerated.
The obstacles that hindered my second chance were the repercussions of my past incarceration, which had a significant impact on various aspects of my life. However, through resilience and determination, I managed to start my own organization, "Until We Are All Free," and embrace roles as a parent, homeowner, and business owner.
My second chance signifies freedom from the shackles of my past, enabling me to live a fulfilling life and serve as an example of transformation and perseverance. It embodies the essence of redemption and the opportunity to rewrite my narrative on my terms.
Jibria White
Operations Manager,
The Clean Slate Initiative
I'm Jibria, and in 2014, at the age of 21, I encountered the legal system due to association with the wrong crowd. This led to a felony conviction, which has been part of my life for the past ten years. Despite maintaining steady employment, housing, completing probation and all sentence terms, including restitution, graduating from graduate school, and remaining offense-free, I've been unable to obtain record clearance.
Under Florida law, I must wait ten years before even being eligible to apply for expungement. In 2020, I initiated the process to seal my record, a lengthy endeavor in Florida. Part of this involved obtaining a certificate of eligibility, which typically takes 8-10 months due to high application volume. Proceeding without legal representation, I navigated the application process independently and eventually secured a hearing with a judge and the state attorney's office.
During the hearing, despite evidence of positive rehabilitation over seven years, the state attorney's office opposed my application, citing concerns about potential re-offending. Additionally, a technical oversight in my application resulted in the judge's denial. What many don't realize is that completing the application without legal assistance is challenging, yet legal representation is often financially out of reach.
Though I am now apprehensive about applying again, I am still hopeful that I, along with others, will receive the second chance we deserve because a second chance means not being defined by my past mistake but by the focus on my future.