Employment rates nationwide have been a concern for years. In response, many states have taken action to help those who cannot find work. One such statute, Indiana’s “Second Chance Act,” has drawn fire from some since it was passed in July. This law is brand new, and many criminal defense lawyers do not yet understand the Statute and its many complicated provisions and implications. The criminal defense attorneys at SFT Lawyers, LLP are among the first lawyers to take the time to build a practice around this law, and we have been able to give well-deserved second chances to many deserving clients. Most citizens who express concern with the law are outraged that our legislators are focused on helping criminals instead of the good, hard-working people of Indiana. But that is simply not what this law is about.
The often used title,“Second Chance Act,” is actually somewhat misleading. This statute does not offer a freebie to everyone. In reality, it only gives a chance to people who made a mistake. It does not protect murderers, rapists, sex offenders, or violent criminals. It protects hard-working people who made one poor choice. It protects the person who made the poor decision to smoke marijuana 10 years ago. It protects the father of three who drove after drinking 20 years ago. It protects honest, hard-working people in Indiana who cannot find a job because they did something foolish years ago. When we seal the record of a non-violent, non-sexual offense a decade after the fact, it doesn’t truly give anyone a “second chance.” It only gives people an honest chance to succeed.
Here at SFT Lawyers, LLP we have attorneys who concentrate on these cases because we believe in them. If you have an old offense that you need to have sealed we would love to help you. Even if not, we always love to hear your comments.