MIDDLE TENNESSEE — One in three adults in the United States has a criminal record — whether it’s an arrest, conviction, or incarceration. That staggering number, around 77 million people, includes neighbors, coworkers, and family members. For these individuals, reintegration into society is often met with barriers that go far beyond time served.

During Second Chance Month, observed in April, awareness was raised about the daily struggles faced by those with criminal histories. For them, rebuilding a stable life — getting a job, applying to college, driving legally, or even casting a vote — can feel impossible.

That’s where the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands steps in. Through its Reentry Project, the nonprofit provides crucial civil legal services that help remove obstacles preventing people from fully rejoining their communities.

“We want to make sure that everyone, regardless of their past, has the chance to participate meaningfully in society,” said Savannah Quintero, Reentry Project Director at Legal Aid Society.

Clearing the Path to Reentry

Driver’s License Reinstatement: Tennessee residents frequently lose their driver’s licenses due to unpaid child support or court costs. With limited public transportation, especially in rural areas, driving is often essential to holding a job or caring for family. Without a license, many feel forced to drive illegally, risking further charges and mounting fees. Legal Aid Society helps clients navigate reinstatement requirements or apply for restricted licenses to regain legal driving privileges.

Voting Rights Restoration: Tennessee is the only state that requires individuals to be current on child support — in addition to fully paid court costs and restitution — before voting rights can be restored. Once these conditions are met, Legal Aid Society assists with filing court petitions to help individuals regain their fundamental right to vote.

Expungement Services: Unemployment among people with criminal records sits at a shocking 27%, largely due to employer background checks. Expungement, which allows qualifying individuals to clear certain non-violent convictions, opens the door to better employment opportunities. Legal Aid Society uses AI-powered tools to help streamline the petition process and give clients a fresh start.

A Lifeline for Middle Tennessee

Many people reentering society after incarceration have no access to legal help. Criminal attorneys may be focused on the immediate charges, not on the civil consequences that follow. Legal Aid Society aims to fill that gap — helping individuals lighten the legal burdens they’ve carried for years.

“We’ve seen firsthand how freeing it can be for someone to finally move on from their past,” Quintero said.

CONTACT: If you or someone you know in Middle Tennessee has a criminal record and is struggling with post-incarceration barriers, Legal Aid Society may be able to help. Visit las.org or call 1-800-238-1443 for more information and to see if you qualify for free legal services. Locally, you can call the Legal Aid Society in Murfreesboro at 615-890-0905.