Often, those who are convicted of crimes in Ohio just became caught up in circumstances beyond their control. Many pay their debt to society as best they can and then hope to become productive community members upon their release. Unfortunately, sometimes they seem to find further punishment upon their return to society by discovering it is difficult, if not impossible, to find gainful employment. One man wants such individuals to know where they can turn for help.

He is a reportedly well-known reverend who is also the executive director of the NewBirth Project. This program is designed to support former convicts as they transition back into the community after serving their time in jail. One helpful piece of legislation which this program seeks to educate ex-convicts about is Senate Bill 337. This new law can greatly benefit former convicts because it will allow them to seal either two misdemeanor convictions, or alternatively one felony and one misdemeanor conviction.

By letting them seal these convictions, this can make them more employable. As NewBirth's executive director points out, it seems like a second punishment to require ex-convicts to get a job upon their release, but at the same time make it more difficult for them to find jobs when potential employers find out about their criminal histories. He further states that the community as a whole has a stake in how this new legislation can benefit both the former convicts and society at large. After all, the better chance that such a person has to get a good job, the likelihood is less that they might re-offend.

Former Ohio convicts who want nothing more than to transition back into society may find it beneficial to look into this new law and how it can benefit them. After serving out their punishment in jail, they may be able to have one or more convictions sealed. This could make it much easier for them to find the necessary employment that they need in order to keep moving forward in their new lives.

Source: Cindy.com, "New laws help ex-inmates in Ohio find jobs," John W. Goodwin Jr., Oct. 5, 2012