Restorative Action Alliance president, Jason recently shared his lived-experience insights and tips for system-impacted people as they seek various types of relief from collateral consequences.

Much of what Jason presents comes from his own experience including being granted an absolute pardon/expungement of his conviction. Certainly that pardon process isn’t available to everyone, but much of what he learned can be applied to various situations: such as when people are looking to go for tier reductions, early release from probation, or lessening of probation restrictions. Subtopics that will be covered as you seek relief include: finding ways to give back to the community; don’t rush the process of seeking relief (be organized); write first drafts of the character reference letters to make it easier for people who want to support you to do so; watch other hearings and learn how the process works; take responsibility; and prepare for it to be an emotional process.

Recording courtesy of NARSOL as part of their 2023 national conference, held in Houston.

Find the downloadable tip sheet here.