MISSION
OJPC’s mission is to create fair, intelligent, redemptive criminal-justice systems through zealous client-centered advocacy, innovative policy reform, and cross-sector community education.
Our Work
How we work to reduce mass incarceration
and its effects in Ohio
OJPC works to reduce the number of incarcerated people in Ohio, expand opportunities for people with criminal records, and protect the human rights and dignity of incarcerated people. We accomplish these goals through direct legal services, specialized projects, collaborative policy reform, and community education.
LEGAL SERVICES
OJPC provides free legal assistance to people looking to overcome barriers created by a criminal record and to people who are incarcerated and face denials of basic human rights.
We reach our clients through a few projects targeting specific, underserved populations:
Beyond Guilt
Beyond Guilt is a project serving incarcerated people who have been over-sentenced and demonstrate rehabilitation.
Second Chance
Second Chance works to remove collateral consequences of convictions through criminal record sealing and expungement, and certificates of qualification for employment and housing, for those who qualify.
Human Rights in Prison
Human Rights in Prison investigates violation of civil rights claims in Ohio public prisons, including excessive force, inadequate medical care, and denial of religious practice.
Her Voice
Her Voice provides trauma-informed legal services and advocacy to ALL justice-impacted women and girls.
Collaborative Policy Reform
We work closely with legislators, judges, and executive-branch officials at the state and local level all across Ohio to rethink and retool all aspects of criminal justice systems. We also partner with numerous grassroots groups statewide to develop and promote fair, intelligent, and redemptive reform.
Community Education
OJPC offers training for a range of groups and individuals — from lawyers, judges and law enforcement to members of the community — who are directly impacted by the criminal legal system. Topics range from trauma-informed care to explanations of the cash bail system. OJPC’s trainings will occasionally count for Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit for lawyers.
