THOMASVILLE — State law allows for restriction of certain criminal records to help provide affected individuals with better opportunities for jobs and housing.

The law applies to arrests prior to Jan. 1, 2013. After that date, courts automatically restrict cases if they qualify.

Records eligible for restriction are:

• Felony arrests with no convictions — dismissed or not guilty on all counts.

• Misdemeanors committed before an individual is 21 years old, with no arrests for five years.

• Arrests made in Thomasville/Thomas County jurisdiction law enforcement agencies.

“Even though the charges were dismissed or the person was found not guilty, that information remains on their record,” Thomasville Police Department Maj. Wade Glover said.

The information shows up when a background check is done on someone applying for a job or housing and usually removes the opportunity for work of a place to live, Glover said.

The new law provides for only certain people, such as law enforcement officials, to see complete criminal case histories.

For instance, Glover said that if someone in their late teens is caught with a misdemeanor amount of marijuana, the charge remains on their record for the rest of their lives.

Individuals taking advantage of the new law must pre-register with completed paper application. Applications — for police and the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office — are available at the police department, 921 Smith Ave., or may be downloaded at https://thomasville.org/departments/police-department.

Completed applications must be submitted by July 9 to Thomasville Police Department. The first 300 applications will be accepted.

Participants will attend an Aug. 4 record restriction event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Thomasville Community Resource Center, 501 Varnedoe St., to complete the process. Those attending should bring a valid government-issued ID.

People will be available at the Aug. 4 event to help applicants with jobs and housing.

“We’re trying to give people a second chance to improve their lives,” Glover said.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820