Understanding and Overcoming the Collateral Consequences of Criminal Conviction

For the tens of millions of Americans with a criminal record of conviction, the consequences of those convictions extend beyond their sentences. Currently, there are more than 40,000 state and federal legal and regulatory restrictions that limit or prohibit people convicted of crimes from accessing employment, business and occupational licensing, housing, voting, education, and other rights, benefits, and opportunities.

In this panel, staff from the National Inventory of Collateral Consequences of Crime (NICCC) hosted a discussion on the current state of collateral consequences across the country and state legislative efforts to address such consequences. The panel explored legislative reforms enacted in Florida, Ohio, and New Jersey focused on voting rights, occupational licensing, and housing, respectively. The event highlighted the experiences of individuals directly impacted by collateral consequences associated with their convictions and their efforts to overcome those barriers.

Facilitators:

• Nicholas Read, Deputy Director, National Reentry Resource Center

Speakers include:

• Angel Sanchez, Visiting Second Chance Fellow, Bureau of Justice Assistance, and Former Legislative Analyst, Florida Rights Restoration Coalition
• Alicia Miller, Second Chance Director, Ohio Justice & Policy Center
• James Williams, Director of Racial Justice Policy, Fair Share Housing Center (New Jersey)