TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — A new law in Arizona is giving people a second chance.
Arizonans can now petition the court to have a criminal record sealed. Previous laws could only set aside a criminal record, not expunge them.
Thomas Cortese had to take steps towards a new future. He helps families in need and volunteers at churches in Tucson.
He spent 28 years in the Arizona State prison system.
“1984- I was addicted to cocaine, and I had lost drastic amounts of weight. I was very, very ill. And had terrible psychosis from just using alcohol and cocaine. I eventually had a gunfight with Tucson Police Department. I was shot,” said Cortese.
Although the new criminal record sealing law can not apply to Cortese, he advocates for those who served time with him in prison.
“For somebody that for many years sat inside one wondering when somebody outside was going to care. This was super cool,” Cortese said.
Arizonans can petition the court to get a criminal record sealed if they have completed their court sentence and terms.
Certain crimes like class one felonies, sexual offenses or serious violent offenses, like using a deadly weapon, cannot be sealed.
“If they go and apply for employment, for example, if it was a Walmart, Target or Raytheon, whateve, they will not be able to see that they have the background, also for housing,” said Da’Mond Holt. He’s the founder and CEO of Fresh Start International- an organization that works to reduce recidivism.
“Number one is this is going to impact recidivism. And recidivism is a term that we use for a people that’s been incarcerated, goes back to prison,” said Holt.
Even though this law doesn’t apply to Cortese, he said this legislation is a huge step in reducing recidivism so that other people have the chance at a new future.
“People are going to look at you differently. And as sad as that is, we live in a world where judgment comes pretty much first,” said Cortese.
For the full law text, click here.
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Faith Abercrombie is a reporter for KGUN 9. Before coming to KGUN, Faith worked as a videographer for the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation and as a reporter and producer on the youth suicide documentary, “Life is…” on Arizona PBS.
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