Imagine that $20 could prevent you from being hired for a job, getting approved to move into a home, or being accepted into a trade program that can improve your life dramatically. One simple routine transaction can turn into a lifetime of struggle and poverty. Nicole had bills to pay and unknowingly used counterfeit money to pay her utility bill. Nicole received the money from a friend who had borrowed money before and returned the loan. This one transaction turned Nicole’s life upside down. After two years of supervised probation, Nicole was eligible for an automatic First Offender Pardon, as she had no other criminal record. She did not receive a pardon due to an oversight that kept a felony arrest on her record. Nicole, an avid volunteer at her local schools, sought out legal assistance from us.
Our attorneys diligently investigated the reason behind the missing pardon and found a consequential issue: an outstanding fee of just $14.20 that had never been paid, which prevented the automatic pardon from being processed. Through persistent advocacy and numerous phone calls, our attorney facilitated contact between Nicole and the appropriate agencies to resolve the matter. Once the fee was paid, the path was clear for Nicole’s First Offender Pardon to be granted. The felony arrest was removed from public record, thus restoring Nicole’s ability to volunteer in schools. She saved an estimated $500-$600 in court and legal fees by avoiding a costly expungement process. Nicole’s story is a testament to the importance of legal advocacy and the impact of addressing bureaucratic obstacles. Through the dedicated work of legal aid services, individuals like Nicole can reclaim their reputations and continue contributing positively to their local communities.
*Client name changed to protect identity.