Our Videos

March 20, 24

NEWS / Cincinnati Considers Proposal to Revamp Criminal Record Policies


Cincinnati's City Council is on the brink of potentially altering the trajectory of former low-level criminals by entertaining a proposal that could see the expungement of certain criminal records. Spearheaded by former City Councilmember Tamaya Dennard, the proposal aims to provide individuals with a second chance at reintegration into society, despite their past transgressions.

Dennard, who herself faced legal troubles in 2020, has since undergone a significant personal and professional transformation. After serving time in federal prison and subsequently being hired as the director of the Center for Employment Opportunities, Dennard has become a vocal advocate for reforming the city's approach to individuals with criminal records.

"If I had the opportunity to come back and re-enter society with an amazing job, why can't others have the same opportunity?" Dennard stated, as reported by Local 12 News.

The proposal brought forth by Dennard seeks to enact several key changes in how Cincinnati handles individuals with criminal backgrounds. Among these changes are automatic expungement of warrants and court no-shows older than seven years, the repeal of mandatory sentencing for certain convictions, and a reconsideration of the city's policy against hiring individuals within five years of a conviction.

Councilmember Scotty Johnson expressed support for studying the viability of Dennard's plan, emphasizing the importance of assisting individuals seeking to reintegrate into the community. "Ninety percent of people who unfortunately have stubbed their toe are coming back to the community," Johnson stated. "We gotta make sure we’re doing all we can to assist them."

The proposal has struck a chord with individuals like Todd, who found himself facing barriers to employment due to a conviction at a young age. Despite his past, Todd was given a chance by Dennard and highlights the importance of providing others with similar opportunities. "How do you expect anybody to feed themselves or take care of themselves? Or even want to have the willpower to keep going further?" Todd questioned.

However, the proposal is not without its critics. Some argue that leniency on criminal records may undermine the deterrent effect of punishment. Dennard, in response, underscores the necessity of offering individuals a chance at redemption. "If you lose your ability to get housing and get a job, you’re already punished," Dennard remarked. "So, the question becomes, how much do you want people to get punished? Is it punished to no end?"

Prosecutor Melissa Powers, surprisingly, voiced support for the proposal, emphasizing the importance of policies that foster second chances and promote the integration of individuals into the community.



 




Testimonials

John Beacleay

Just wanted to say thanks again for all your help Anton. I mean it's really amazing to me that yo...
Read More »
Niranjan Sujay
I recently used LOGOS INTERNATIONAL for the translation of my bachelor’s certificate, and I couldn’t...
Read More »
Katia Nagata

As a foreigner, I needed a certified translation, so I called the DOE to give me a list of the ce...
Read More »
AnnaMaria Realbuto
Thank you for all your assistance and efficiency...
Read More »




FAQ

May a student eligible for a cap-gap extension of status and employment authorization apply for a STEM OPT extension while he or she is in the cap-gap extension period?
Read More »
What happens after I file the Form I-485?
Read More »
Q. What is Proof of service via the diplomatic channel under Section 1608(a)(4)?
Read More »
How to get diploma attested for use in China?
Read More »






News

July 16, 25
Some Alligator Alcatraz inmates do not have criminal records – report
Read More »
July 14, 25
YouTube star obtains fake death certificate to get airline refund
Read More »
July 9, 25
Actor Michael Madsen died from heart failure-death certificate
Read More »
July 7, 25
US deports Asian and Latin American men with criminal records to South Sudan
Read More »