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Know someone with a previous marijuana conviction? Here’s how they can get a second chance in Birmingham
![Know someone with a previous marijuana conviction? Here's how they can get a second chance in Birmingham 1 Randall Woodfin announcing Pardons for Peace](https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lead.jpeg?resize=800%2C600&quality=89&ssl=1)
Do you know someone with a previous marijuana conviction? (Asking for a friend). Be sure to share this news with them. The City of Birmingham announced today, Monday, Nov. 25, that they are ready to offer a second chance for those with a single marijuana conviction. Read on to find out more about Mayor Woodfin’s Pardons for Progress and how your friend can use it.
Birmingham, a City of Second Chances
Even before he came into office, Randall Woodfin met people every day who struggled to find employment due to a prior marijuana conviction on their record. Over the years, thousands of individuals have been convicted of misdemeanor marijuana charges in Birmingham.
Since a marijuana possession conviction appears on a background check, even a single conviction can eliminate employment opportunities.
In order to give people a second chance, Mayor Woodfin and the City of Birmingham started the Pardons for Progress initiative.
Here Are the Facts
![Know someone with a previous marijuana conviction? Here's how they can get a second chance in Birmingham 2 IMG 1814 Know someone with a previous marijuana conviction? Here's how they can get a second chance in Birmingham](https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/IMG_1814.jpeg?resize=1500%2C1125&quality=89&ssl=1)
“We want to make sure our residents have every opportunity for gainful employment throughout the city of Birmingham.”
Mayor Randall Woodfin
- What is Pardons for Progress? Since a marijuana conviction can block people from employment, Pardons for Progress will pardon a person with a single marijuana conviction.
- Who is eligible? The pardon extends to a single prior conviction of Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, 2nd Degree (a Class A misdemeanor). Additionally, the Office of the Mayor will consider a connected Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (a Class A misdemeanor).
- Remember–the pardon is for individuals with a single prior conviction. The pardon doesn’t extend to individuals with multiple convictions or violence offenses.
- How many years back does the pardon go? The pardon extends for a marijuana conviction in the Birmingham Municipal Court during the past 20 years.
Expected Impact
“Although possession of marijuana is still a crime, Pardons for Progress will affect a minimum of 6,000 people in Birmingham.
Mayor Randall Woodfin
During Mayor Woodfin’s press conference, Kerri Pruitt of The Dannon Project gave us an example of who this initiative will affect.
A 21-year-old member of The Dannon Project had gone through the entire workforce development training process, had received assistance for mental health and substance abuse, and had clean drug screenings. However, a potential employer told her that she would not be hired due to her single prior conviction.
“The people that [The Dannon Project] works with walk through our doors because they want a second chance to be a law-abiding member of our community. The Pardons for Progress initiative provides that opportunity for them.”
Kerri Pruitt, Exective Director of The Dannon Project
A Game Changer for Birmingham
![Know someone with a previous marijuana conviction? Here's how they can get a second chance in Birmingham 3 Mayor Randall Woodfin](https://i0.wp.com/bhamnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/IMG_1812.jpeg?resize=800%2C600&quality=89&ssl=1)
To learn more about Pardons for Progress, visit birminghamal.gov/pardons or read the official press release.