Delta Center opens doors to help Utahns with criminal records

SALT LAKE CITY — Izzy Carranza, a father, husband, and attorney, was among the speakers at the Utah Expungement Summit, where he shared his journey from gang life and incarceration to law school and to eventually clearing his criminal record.

“For me, attorneys were like superheroes who could help people navigate difficult situations. The only problem was I didn’t know any attorneys, and my only interaction with them was through the legal system,” Carranza said.

(Eric Cabrera/KSL NewsRadio)

After finishing law school, Carranza knew his criminal record could prevent him from finding a job. But with help from Rasa Legal, which partnered with the Smith Entertainment Group Foundation to organize the event, he was able to secure a second chance.

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Destiny Garcia, executive director of Clean Slate Utah, also spoke. She shared her own experience with multiple criminal records and explained how expunging her record allowed her to become a homeowner and triple her salary.

“There is so much stigma surrounding a criminal record. People are told ‘no’ at apartments, by employers, and even when trying to volunteer at their children’s schools. At least today, they can walk away with the knowledge of what they have and how to move forward,” Garcia said.

(Eric Cabrera/KSL NewsRadio)

Many Clean Slate Utah staff members, including Garcia, have personal experience with criminal records.

This year, 93 attorneys from Rasa Legal volunteered their time to assist more than 1,500 Utahns, up from 200 last year.

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Rep. Tyler Clancy spoke about the power of a second chance, emphasizing the impact it has on both individuals and the community.

“The power of a second chance is about going into the community and empowering others to find the next chapter of their lives. It’s about investing in essential community programs,” Clancy said.

He thanked the Smith family and all the partners who came together to change the lives of those who attended.

“Everything we do is not in spite of what happened before; it is because of what happened before — the healing that has taken place,” he said.

(Eric Cabrera/KSL NewsRadio)

Rasa Legal Attorney Noella Sudbury discussed how the organization’s innovative software and technology have streamlined the expungement process, making it faster and less complicated.

“Imagine waking up with a criminal record, typing your name into your phone, and instantly seeing what’s on your record and what your options are. It really changes the game,” Sudbury said.

She also noted that one in four Utahns have a criminal record.