At the turn of the millennium, Heather Chase found herself caught in the grip of methamphetamine addiction during her teens and early twenties. To support this addiction, she turned to crime, breaking into cars and homes and forging checks. This path led to multiple arrests and a year behind bars. However, everything changed for her in 2004 when a court-ordered recovery program in Salt Lake City opened the door to sobriety.
Fast forward to 2014, Chase graduated from college, earning a master’s degree in 2015. Today, she is the executive director of the Haven, the very nonprofit recovery center she attended, and has dedicated 18 years of her life to helping others regain their footing.
Overcoming the Shadows of the Past
Chase’s last offense was back in 2002, yet the weight of her criminal record lingered for two decades, complicating nearly every aspect of her life. Landlords often rejected her rental applications, leaving her out of pocket after spending money on non-refundable fees of about $30 (€28). “When you’re struggling to make ends meet, that’s a lot of money,” she emphasizes. Even after stepping into her role as executive director in 2015, she faced challenges, including a directive from Utah’s state government preventing her from being alone with clients due to her past.
To combat this, in 2023, Chase took the important step of seeking expungement, a legal process that allows individuals to clear certain crimes from their records after meeting specific criteria, which vary by jurisdiction.
With the help of Rasa Legal, a pioneering company leveraging generative AI to streamline the expungement process, Chase was able to clear her record without the usual hurdles. “We are focused on automating the tasks that require no creativity or judgment,” explains Noella Sudbury, Rasa’s founder and CEO.
Breaking Down Barriers
The American judicial system complicates matters by organizing records by cases rather than individuals, making it challenging for someone like Chase to track her history. “I didn’t have the emotional or physical energy to spend a year pulling my records from various jurisdictions,” she admits.
Rasa’s innovative tool simplifies this daunting task by automatically determining a client’s eligibility for expungement. The platform has partnered with state and local courts in Utah and Arizona to centralize criminal records. Users pay a nominal fee of $15 (€14) to access their record and check for eligibility. If qualified, Rasa offers legal services for a flat fee of $250 (€235), a fraction of the typical legal costs.
Cost Savings Through AI
Generative AI plays a crucial role in cutting costs. Rasa employs this technology to assist clients in composing a document known as a petition for expungement. The petition serves as a personal statement explaining the client’s motivation for clearing their record, whether it’s for employment or other opportunities.
According to Sudbury, streamlining this task with AI can save significant time. Rasa employs a small team of just three lawyers to oversee the process—demonstrating efficiency without sacrificing quality.
In just over a year since launching in September 2022, Rasa has helped over 22,000 people, with 5,000 successfully clearing their records—a vast improvement compared to traditional methods that typically assist only a few hundred annually.
Is The Process Still Too Slow?
Despite advancements, the expungement process remains sluggish. A 2020 study revealed that only about 10% of individuals eligible for legal relief actually pursue it, leaving millions living under the stigma of a criminal record. Colleen Chien, a law professor, aptly calls this situation “America’s paper prisons.”
Chien’s experiments with similar AI tools show promise. She developed a chatbot based on ChatGPT to aid individuals in identifying their eligibility for expungement, emphasizing the need for an accessible, multilingual solution.
Realizing the benefits of clearing one’s record can be life-changing. Chase shares, “There’s truly a sense of freedom in knowing that you have fulfilled your obligations to society. You’ve done your time and paid your dues.” This not only eases job hunting and housing applications but also empowers individuals to reintegrate into society.
Integrating AI with Legal Aid
Rasa sets a precedent for how technology and legal processes can coexist responsibly. “It’s essential that our human team reviews everything AI generates,” Sudbury asserts, reinforcing that while generative AI has its place, human oversight is non-negotiable.
However, Chien warns against over-reliance on technology. “AI can alleviate some barriers, but it doesn’t address the systemic issues plaguing the expungement process,” she cautions. Automation should never replace the necessary discourse around reforming these systems.
So, what are the key steps to expunging a criminal record?
Expungement involves meeting specific eligibility criteria and may vary by state. Typically, if you have stayed crime-free for a designated time, you can apply. Using platforms like Rasa can significantly ease this process.
How much does it generally cost to clear a criminal record?
Many traditional legal routes can cost thousands of dollars, whereas services like Rasa offer a streamlined process for under €250, making it financially accessible for many.
Can having a criminal record affect job prospects?
Yes, criminal records can hinder employment opportunities, but expunging your record often allows you to answer “no” regarding past offenses on applications, greatly improving your chances.
Is the expungement process different across states?
Yes, each state has its eligibility criteria and procedures, making it crucial to consult local regulations or utilize technology like Rasa to navigate the rules effectively.
What resources are available for individuals seeking expungement?
Numerous nonprofit organizations and legal aid clinics provide assistance. Increasingly, platforms utilizing AI, such as Rasa, offer affordable options to streamline the process.
In conclusion, while the path to expunging a criminal record can be challenging, innovative solutions like those offered by Rasa prove that change is possible. If you’re interested in learning more, be sure to explore related content offered by Moyens I/O.