The Trenton Times published the following article on June 30, 2013. To read the full article, click here.
Trenton councilwoman hosts expungement seminar
By Alex Zdan/The Times
on June 30, 2013 at 7:05 AMTRENTON — Carrying charges that were in some cases decades old, more than 40 people seeking to clear their records for criminal cases that have been resolved descended on Councilwoman Kathy McBride’s constituent office in downtown Trenton Wednesday.
Omar Williams was convicted of aggravated assault with a motor vehicle 14 years ago.
He’s been out of prison for five years, and has not been able to find a full-time permanent job since. Williams believes his conviction record has been an obstacle to getting the type of job he wants.
“Well, certainly jobs you know I want, like a state job,” he said.
McBride said she was pleased with the turnout for her first expungement seminar, which aimed to get people started on the application process that will cleanse their record of certain past arrests or convictions.
Lakisha Green said a conviction record can bar people from jobs that will provide for a family.
“If you can’t take care of your kids, what do you resort to? The same thing,” Green said.
Hosted by a former municipal court judge, the session gave out information about the expungement process. In some cases, attendees were walked through a copy of the application they need to file.
Many of the attendees were frustrated about the level of information prospective employers can get about their past criminal history when making hiring decisions.
“New Jersey, when I tell you it is the worst, it is the worst,” Sheree Scott said.
McBride is a strong supporter of the Opportunity to Compete Act, a bill that would restrict what employers can ask about criminal history that’s being considered by the Legislature. It’s been dubbed the “Ban the Box” bill, after the box applicants have to check off to indicate they have a criminal history.
“It’s not supposed to be on the application,” Green said.
In 1997, Green received four convictions, for drugs, forgery, and aggravated assault — “for defending myself,” Green said. She’s been out of prison since 2003. Recently, she paid $300 cash for a certification course to become a home health aide. Though she didn’t land the job, Green said she’s happy she attained the skill for her future prospects.
“It don’t hurt to try,” Green said.
In the back of the room, former judge Debra Gelson was meeting with attendees one-on-one to evaluate their cases.
“I apologize, Your Honor,” one man said as he walked up to Gelson. “I just got arrested seven times.”