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For millions of Americans, a past mistake doesn’t stay in the past. It shows up in job interviews, housing applications and everyday life. Nearly one in three adults in the United States has a criminal record, creating real barriers to employment, housing and long-term stability.

Even after someone has served their time, the consequences of a criminal record can linger for years. Limited access to stable housing and meaningful employment — both essential to rebuilding a life — can make it difficult to move forward.

Without these opportunities, the likelihood of returning to the justice system increases.

When people are unable to rebuild, the impact extends beyond the individual, affecting public safety and community well-being.

Legal tools such as expungement and record sealing can help break this cycle.

When individuals are able to clear or limit access to their records:

• They gain access to better job opportunities.
• They increase their earning potential.
• They face fewer barriers to housing and financial stability.

Research shows that individuals who receive expungements often see significant improvements in employment and wages within a year, along with lower rates of reoffending.

Second chances aren’t about ignoring the past. They’re about recognizing growth, accountability and the opportunity to move forward.

Despite the benefits, many people who qualify for legal relief never receive it.

Barriers such as lack of awareness, complex legal processes and limited access to attorneys prevent individuals from taking advantage of these opportunities. Legal assistance is often the key — but access to that help remains limited.

Organizations like Shore Legal Access, which provides free civil legal services to low-income residents across Maryland’s Eastern Shore, are seeing just how urgent the need has become.

There is currently a significant surge in demand for family law services, with a growing waiting list of individuals seeking help. From custody disputes to protective orders and divorce proceedings, these cases are deeply personal and often time-sensitive, directly impacting families and children.

At the same time, there is a critical shortage of volunteer attorneys to meet this demand, highlighting a widening gap between need and access.

Providing legal second chances doesn’t just help individuals. It strengthens entire communities.

When people are given a fair opportunity to rebuild:

• Families are more stable.
• Communities are safer.
• Local economies benefit from increased workforce participation.

Second chances create pathways not only for individuals, but for lasting, generational change.

The conversation around second chances is growing, but meaningful progress requires continued action.

That means:

• Expanding access to legal services
• Supporting policies that remove unnecessary barriers
• Encouraging attorneys to provide pro bono support
• Raising awareness of available resources

For many, the difference between being stuck and moving forward comes down to access — and access can change everything.

Second chances are about more than legal relief. They’re about restoring dignity, opening doors and giving people a real opportunity to move forward. When individuals are able to rebuild their lives, the impact reaches far beyond one person. It strengthens families, stabilizes communities and creates a more just and equitable society for everyone.

The views expressed in this column are solely those of the author. Statements are the author’s opinions and interpretations.