Have you ever been on a job interview and worried about your past being in question? Or has the application automatically disqualified you based on the dreaded question: Have you ever been convicted of a felony? I committed class i felonies, served my time, and paid my fines. Yet, even after earning a Masters degree and maintaining 22 years of sobriety and good citizenship, my past felonies continue to limit my opportunities and rights. For instance, despite my transformation, I am ineligible to apply for certain jobs nearly 30 years after my crimes were committed. This includes my right to own a firearm, a basic right for many citizens. 

Despite waging lifelong efforts to move on from past mistakes, many in my situation continue to face consequences that seem to exist in perpetuity. It's not just me. In the United States, approximately 19.6 million people like me (1 in 3 adults) have a criminal record (source: National Institute of Justice). This barrier needs to be revised, not just for myself, but for the millions of reformed citizens who have demonstrated their ability to change.

Thus, we call on lawmakers to consider legislation that would implement the automatic expungement of felonies committed over 20 years ago. This would not only give people like me a fair chance to fully reintegrate into society, but it also acknowledges our potential to transform and contribute positively to our communities. Support this petition for change, the call for fair treatment, and the acknowledgement of personal reformation. Please sign this petition.