COBB COUNTY, Ga. — The Cobb County Solicitor General’s Office and Atlanta-based non-profit BlackPush are teaming up to provide a second chance for individuals with misdemeanor offenses by offering them a free clinic to help seal their criminal records.
Solicitor General Makia Metzger emphasized her commitment to assisting her community by facilitating access to services that would restrict criminal records.
"One of my promises to the voters was that I would ensure and make sure that I looked -- I met people where they were," Metzger said. "One of those things would be, if you have a criminal history or you have a record."
The initiative, aimed at giving residents a fresh start, will be conducted through a free public clinic scheduled for June 1. During the clinic, eligible individuals can have their records restricted on-site, and additional services will also be offered to aid in their rehabilitation.
BlackPush founder Shaun Smith, who has experienced the criminal justice system firsthand, underscored the transformative potential of this program.
"Sometimes people make mistakes, and sometimes people are not even found guilty of things that they still have on their record," Smith stated. He further highlighted the moral imperative of the initiative, linking it to principles of grace and compassion. "As a minister, I think it kind of goes with the whole principle of giving people a second opportunity, and giving people grace and giving compassion."
This partnership promises to be a crucial step towards enabling affected individuals to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to the community.