Restriction and Vacatur Forms

In 2020, Governor Brian Kemp signed into law SB 435, also known as “The Survivors First Act.” SB 435 creates remedies for individuals to clean up their Georgia criminal history if they are survivors of sex or labor trafficking, as defined by O.C.G.A § 16-5-46.

Specifically, SB 435 provides trafficking survivors with the opportunity to either vacate their conviction if the conviction was a direct result of the trafficking or restrict access to their record if the arrest occurred while being trafficked. These remedies are intended to help victims heal by removing barriers to employment, housing and other opportunities.

If you have been convicted of a criminal offense while being trafficked or as a result of being trafficked, you may petition for vacatur and/or record restriction. The forms you will need to petition for vacatur or record restriction are provided to you below. Please read the following disclaimer as it pertains to filling out the forms. If you are in need of assistance, please refer to the additional resources listed at the bottom of this page.

Disclaimer

The Georgia Office of the Attorney General does not, and indeed by law cannot, provide legal advice to private citizens. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you consult with an attorney to discuss your case and how the law applies to your particular situation.

If there is any question in your mind concerning this form, the use of this form or your legal rights, it is strongly recommended that you consult with a properly licensed attorney. If you do not know an attorney and you live in the State of Georgia, you may visit the State Bar of Georgia’s website at www.gabar.org to locate a licensed attorney. Otherwise, contact your local Bar Association or Legal Aid.

Additional Resources

Georgia Justice Project

Phone: (404) 827-0027

Website: www.gjp.org

 

Street Grace

Phone: (678) 809-2111

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.streetgrace.org

 

Wilbanks CEASE Clinic

University of Georgia School of Law

Phone: (706) 227-5421

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://cease.law.uga.edu/ or http://cease.law.uga.edu/survivors