Macon Judicial Circuit Second Opportunity Desk

Welcome to the Macon Judicial Circuit Second Opportunity Desk (“The Desk”)

Welcome to the registration page for The Desk. We seek to change the face of justice by providing restorative justice to citizens of Bibb, Peach and Crawford Counties who need a second opportunity through assistance with criminal history issues by seeking remedies provided by Georgia law.

The Desk is a partnership between Middle Georgia Justice, the Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney, the Circuit Public Defender, the Bibb County Solicitor-General, the Bibb County Sheriff, the Macon Judicial Circuit, and the State Court of Bibb County. Our goal is to provide advice and self-help assistance to individuals regarding their criminal history from Bibb, Peach, and Crawford Counties so they can restrict and seal eligible criminal records.

The Desk is housed at the Outreach & Restorative Justice Center operated by the Bibb County Sheriff and located at 774 Hazel Street, Macon, GA. It is open and staffed on the second and fourth Fridays of each month from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Interested persons must pre-register and obtain their GCIC Code U and E Reports before an appointment will be scheduled. There will be no walk-ins. If you have any questions, please call 478 238-0224 or email TheDesk@mgajustice.org.

What is the Macon Judicial Circuit Second Opportunity Desk?

The Desk is a help desk where individuals can have their criminal history reviewed by an attorney, get a free consultation, and receive assistance with filling out restriction forms for eligible offenses. If necessary, further assistance will be provided in the preparation and filing of court petitions and pardon applications.

Why a Second Opportunity Desk?

We all have a first opportunity as adults to seek employment and housing as our circumstances permit. Many Georgians, however, get arrested and end up with a criminal record that impedes their pursuit of decent employment and housing. Georgia law offers remedies for eligible citizens but record restriction eligibility and the process for applying can be confusing and intimidating for many people. Many individuals with a criminal history are not aware what remedies are available to them and/or are not sure how to access those remedies. As a result, millions of Georgians face barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities – which has a negative impact on individuals, families, and our community. The Desk will be able to help people navigate this process of clearing their eligible criminal histories and thereby be given a second opportunity in life.

What is a record restriction?

Record restriction means that eligible records on your official criminal history report are restricted from public view and are only accessible to law enforcement for criminal justice purposes and some governmental agencies.

How do I register for an appointment?

You must pre-register for an appointment to be seen at The Desk. Please click below to complete registration information. You must also obtain your GCIC Code U and E Reports from the Sheriff’s Office and deliver them to the Middle Georgia Justice office at 241 3rd Street, Suite 200. If you cannot afford to pay the fee to get the reports, please let us know. Once you have submitted the form and obtained your GCIC Reports, we will schedule an appointment. If you have questions, call 478 238-0224.