Human trafficking survivors deal with a lot; should they have to suffer with criminal records from forced crimes committed when trafficked? The records from these crimes limit survivors’ ability to return to society and receive employment, safe housing, and family reunification opportunities. Current Ohio law does allow for expunctions for human trafficking victims’ criminal records—but the offenses must pertain to specific crimes such as soliciting, loitering, or prostitution to apply.
Ohio Legislature wants to do more to help, so they’ve introduced a new law that would help human trafficking victims expunge their criminal records without these specific offense requirements. The push for the new law doesn’t just provide victims with new opportunities to live a normal life—it also creates more opportunities to provide information to Ohioans about how they can help their neighbors and community members who are survivors of human trafficking.
While there are already laws in place that help victims of human trafficking return to civilization, legislation acknowledges the fact that they should do more. Human trafficking survivors face incredible barriers that can be difficult to overcome without the help of fundamental legislative changes. The goal of the new bill is for survivors of human trafficking to truly be free to start fresh and find success without being tied to the criminal justice system. By getting rid of the expungement-barriers, survivors are given a second chance and can return to normal lives safely.
If you find that you have difficulty finding meaningful employment or housing because of a small charge on your criminal record, Easy Expunctions might be able to help. We offer free background checks so we can determine what is on your record and what our record-clearing software can eliminate. Reach out to us today to get started on your path to a second chance!