Programs & Resources · Reentry
Collateral Consequences
Collateral consequences unrelated to the underlying conviction, with no public safety benefit, hurt communities—fueling recidivism and trapping people in a cycle they can’t escape.
Our work
Unnecessary collateral consequences can prevent gainful employment and restrict housing opportunities long after a case is resolved. In 2019, APA received a Koch Foundation grant to address unrelated collateral consequences at plea in the state of North Carolina, with the goal of giving prosecutors nationwide the tools to correct this failing in the justice system.
To expand that work, APA was awarded a grant through the Coalition for Public Safety to fund additional regional trainings for prosecutors on collateral consequences—workshops, conferences, webinars, and guidance developed with partners nationwide. The focus throughout: addressing collateral consequences at the plea stage, rather than waiting until reentry.
Addressed at the plea stage, not after reentry.
How APA helps
Awareness, then prevention
APA works with partners around the country to increase prosecutorial awareness of unnecessary collateral consequences and put prevention into practice.
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Regional workshops and conferences on collateral consequences
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Webinars featuring model driver’s license suspension reinstatement programs
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Guidance developed with partners to reduce fines-and-fees-driven consequences
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Practice guidance focused on the plea stage, where consequences can be avoided earliest
Resources
A webinar case study on driver’s license suspension reinstatement programs, and the program toolkit APA developed alongside it.
Webinar
A Second Chance: Driver’s License Suspension Programs in Durham, NC and Marion County, IN
Program toolkit
Prosecutorial Driver’s License Suspension Reinstatement Programs
A resource developed during this grant to help prosecutors’ offices build or join a program restoring driving privileges tied to unpaid fines and fees—so a suspension doesn’t become a barrier to the job and housing that keep someone from reoffending.
Prosecutors interested in regional trainings or technical assistance can contact APA directly.
Related from APA
Join APA
APA membership connects you to a national network of prosecutors, exclusive trainings, and collaborative opportunities—including regional trainings on collateral consequences.