Blog

Black History Month is a time to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans throughout history. It is also an opportunity to address...
A vibrant collage showcasing smiling participants, a presenter, and engaged attendees at the Expungement Summit, with bold text reading 'Expungement Summit Recap.
We are deeply committed to helping as many people as possible move past the barriers of a criminal record. On January 22, 2025 we partnered...
A detailed illustration of a smiling John Jackson with short dark hair and a white shirt, set against a soft pink background.
John Jackson grew up in San Antonio, Texas, with an entrepreneurial spirit, inspired  by his aunt, a woman he deeply admired. However, her influence was...
A dynamic collage celebrating highlights from 2024, featuring speakers, group portraits, and behind-the-scenes moments, with bold text reading '2024 Year in Review.
As we close out 2024, it is a great time to reflect on the progress made and the progress we seek in years to come. ...
A painting of a man in a green shirt and black blazer standing with arms crossed against a purple background.
Like most of the incarcerated people at Coffeewood Correctional Center, Jesse Crosson had a routine. He spent August 16, 2021 just as he had spent...
A smiling man standing outdoors with a blurred purple and pink gradient background featuring stairs and buildings. Text overlay reads: 'Automatic or petition-based expungement: Which one is right for you?
Navigating the path to a clear criminal record in Utah can feel confusing, but we're here to simplify things! Utah offers two main ways to...
Noella Sudbury, CEO of Rasa, stands on stage at TEDx Salt Lake City, wearing a blue dress, delivering a talk about using technology to simplify criminal record expungement. The backdrop features the TEDx Salt Lake City logo, with the text overlay: "A Tech Solution to Simplify Criminal Record Expungement.
How can you tell if someone has a criminal record? Statistically, it is more common than you might think.  1 in 3 Americans have some...
A smiling man wearing a scarf stands in front of a vibrant purple background, accompanied by the text: 'A season of giving back - How Record Clearance Helps Individuals Reintegrate and Give Back to Their Communities.
Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude, reflection, and giving back. For many people, especially those who have navigated the criminal justice system, the journey to...
A smiling man in professional attire holds a folder, standing outdoors against a blurred, purple-toned background. Text reads "Clear your path: How Record Clearance Can Remove Barriers to Occupational Licensing," promoting the theme of overcoming obstacles for career advancement.
Clear Your Path: How Record Clearance Can Remove Barriers to Occupational Licensing Navigating a career with a criminal record can feel like an uphill battle,...
A thoughtful woman looks up with a slight smile, accompanied by the text 'Understanding Background Checks' and 'How clearing a record affects what shows up,' against a pink-purple gradient background.
If you’re applying for a job, renting an apartment, or even volunteering, you may need a background check. But what is a background check, and...
Illustrated portrait of a woman with long, wavy brown hair, wearing hoop earrings and a black sleeveless top. She is smiling, and the background is a gradient of purple shades.
In November 2017, Tarra Simmons appeared before the Washington State Supreme Court with friend, mentor, and Georgetown law professor Shon Hopwood sitting beside her. Unlike...
Two workers wearing hard hats and safety vests are in a manufacturing setting, engaged in discussion. The image has a pink overlay with the text: "Unlocking a hidden talent pool – Why Manufacturers Should Consider Fair Chance Hiring."
The manufacturing industry is facing a significant challenge - a labor shortage that is only expected to grow in the coming years. With an aging...
A smiling woman with curly hair stands outdoors with a lake and trees in the background. The image has a colorful gradient overlay and text that reads: "New Utah Law Removes Government Fee Barriers for More People."
Exciting news for Utahns seeking a fresh start! On October 1, 2024, a new record clearance law will take effect, making it easier and more...
A man with a beard and wearing a light gray shirt smiles while holding a laptop. The image features a pink and purple gradient background with text that reads: "how fair chances can reduce turnover."
In today's competitive job market, companies are constantly seeking innovative ways to attract and retain top talent. One often overlooked strategy is fair chance hiring...
Image of a smiling man looking to the side with other happy people in the background. Text reads: Arizona's "Bill of Hope" A New Era for Criminal Record Sealing
On September 13, 2024, a new Arizona record clearance law will significantly increase the number of people eligible to seal their criminal records in the...
Attractive young african american woman smiling at the viewer. Text reads: Say Goodbye to Government Fees Our prices now include BCI certificate and court filing fees in Utah
At Rasa, we strive to make the process of clearing a criminal record as simple as possible. That is why, unlike traditional lawyers, we have...
Image of smiling people all putting their hands together in a circle. Text reads: In honor of National Recovery Month, we're giving away free eligibility screenings!
September is National Recovery Month, and all throughout the country, people are coming together to support, celebrate, and honor people in recovery. Recovering from substance...
Matt Holman #1in3 campaign portrait blog header
Matt grew up in the Bay Area of Northern California. His childhood was defined by the divorce of his parents when he was just eight...
Image of a woman in a graduation cap and gown holding out a diploma with a pink ribbon tied around it. Text reads: Unlocking Opportunities, how access to higher education benefits people with records & can help transform our workforce
Higher education has long been a pathway to opportunity, but for many individuals with criminal records, that path has been blocked. The barriers faced by...
Image of a man holding a smart phone smiling. Text reads: How fair chance hiring can increase your talent pool by 30%
In today's competitive job market, businesses are constantly seeking innovative ways to attract and retain top talent. If you're struggling to fill open positions or...
Marcus Bullock #1in3 Artwork Blog Header
“We’ve been declined, overlooked, deprived of, boxed in, and relegated in so many corners of our lives.” Marcus Bullock is an entrepreneur through and through....
Image of a Arizona landscape with a cactus. Text reads: New Arizona Bill simplifies criminal record sealing process
Have you been hoping to seal your criminal record in Arizona? Good news! The Arizona Legislature just passed a new law to make the process...
Image of an attractive black man in a pink suit. Text reads: 8 practical tips for creating a successful fair chance hiring program
In today's competitive job market, companies are constantly seeking new ways to attract and retain top talent. One often overlooked strategy is fair chance hiring...
Khalil Cumberbatch #1in3 Campaign Artwork Blog Header
“People make bad decisions that have real-life consequences. And when people end up serving time for those bad decisions, how much more punishment should they...
Image of a young man with a beard wearing a hat. Text reads: why now is the best time to clear your Utah record
There has never been a better time to get your Utah record cleared. Thanks to Rasa’s innovative eligibility tool and streamlined process, the price for...
Photo of a man in a suit with grey hair and a beard. Text reads: How to get your Utah criminal record expunged, the easy three step process with Rasa
Navigating the legal system is intimidating, especially if you are doing it alone. Because of this, many people who are eager to create a better...
Illustration of a person skiing and another person holding a trophy, with the text "the true impact of fair chance hiring.
embracing fair chance hiring practices benefits individuals, businesses, and communities. Fair chance hiring creates positive outcomes for individuals, businesses, and communities alike. By providing opportunities...
Photo of two people wearing hard hats working in a factory. Text reads: manufacturing a better future: the case for fair chance hiring.
Utah and Arizona’s manufacturing sector is grappling with a significant labor shortage.  Across the two states, there are hundreds of thousands of unfilled manufacturing positions,...
Photo of the Utah state capitol building. Text reads: Changes to expungement in Utah, what you need to know.
Two expungement-related bills passed this session, making a number of changes to Utah’s expungement landscape.  Over the next few weeks, we will be doing a...
Destiny Garcia #1in3 campaign artwork blog header
“None of the opportunities that I have today would have happened if I didn’t show up. I might have been scared, I might have been...
Collage of 4 images. Image 1: Rasa team group photo at the Arizona launch event. Image 2: Noella Sudbury, speaking at a podium. Image 3: Image of a roll up that reads "Community Resource Fair". Image 4: Noella Sudbury, Brian Redd, and Destiny Garcia posing for a photo together. Text in the center of the collage reads: "2023 year in review"
Looking Back & Moving Forward I love the end of the year because it gives me a moment to reflect on everything that happened. This...
Mickey Jacobs #1in3 Campaign Portrait. Blog header version.
“Take it in very small steps, surround yourself with people who believe in you, and don’t be afraid to talk about what happened.” Due to...
Image of an African American man scratching his chin and looking up. Text reads: What shows up on a background check? More than just convictions... Find out more
You may believe that if you were arrested, but never convicted of a crime, or if you were charged with a crime, but the case...
Image of a professional woman with glasses smiling and shaking someone's hand. Text reads: Breaking the Barriers: why fair chance hiring benefits everyone
The United States is in the middle of one of its biggest labor shortages in history. There are more job openings today than there are...
Brock Smith #1in3 Campaign Artwork blog version
“Don’t let your insecurities and doubt prevent you from making a life worth living.” Brock’s first encounter with the criminal justice system was at age...
Image of a person helping another person up on a rock. Text reads: Rasa & USARA Partner to Provide 30 Free Expungements. Learn how to qualify & get involved today!
September is National Recovery month, and all throughout the state, people are coming together to support, celebrate, and honor people in recovery. Recovering from substance...
Image of a smiling red haired man with a beard in a jean jacket. Text reads: Expungement and the recovery process. Find out if drug-related exemptions apply to YOU
September is National Recovery Month and all across the state, people are coming together to support, recognize, and celebrate people in recovery. During this month-long...
Image of an attractive man with a beard smiling and pointing to some text. Text reads: How do BCI Processing & New Fees Affect Me? Check out our latest update to find out what you need to know!
BCI processing times and government fees were both impacted by HB 392, a Utah expungement law that sunsetted on June 30, 2023. HB 392 went...
A smiling young man wearing glasses and a dark t-shirt stands against an orange-to-purple gradient background. White text next to him reads: "402 reductions – Finding a path forward when your records are not eligible for expungement."
Finding out you are ineligible for expungement can be discouraging, and the next steps are often difficult to navigate. But you are not alone! Many...
Brian Tease #1in3 Campaign Artwork Blog Header
“Everyone has value, regardless of what they’ve done. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to change.”  As someone who found himself caught in the...
DUIs are incredibly common in Utah, and at Rasa, we’ve helped many clients expunge this type of offense. In 2022 alone, there were 10,413 DUI...
Illustrated portrait of Coss and his baby girl
Half of all kids in the United States have a parent with a record, and every day, our team talks to dozens of dads who...
A woman holds her hand up to her chin with question marks above her head
I’ve filed my BCI application but haven’t heard anything for months.  What’s going on? We are receiving a lot of questions from people about the status...
Two people holding out passports from the united states of America with a historical building in the background
Summer is on its way, and you may be imagining yourself on a beach in Baja, going on your dream cruise, or planning a big...
A mother holds a newborn while getting a hug from her toddler
1 in 3 Americans have some sort of criminal record, and nearly half of the children in the U.S. have a parent with a criminal...
Panelists and audience seated inside The Other Side Academy
In honor of National Second Chance Month, Rasa Legal and Clean Slate Utah co-hosted a community panel discussion on fair chance hiring at The Other...
INC Magazine 200 Female Founders 2023 Honoree Noella Sudbury
Inc.’s annual Female Founders list highlights entrepreneurs with world-changing companies  Inc. Magazine announced its sixth annual Female Founders list, honoring a bold group of women...
Portia #1in3 Portrait Artwork by Yifan Luo
“Never give up. The best is yet to come.” –Portia Like so many other people who find themselves caught up in the justice system, Portia...
Meet the Rasa team of expungement experts
Our team of Utah expungement experts has handled thousands of cases. But we’re not only qualified to help you, we’re deeply passionate about what we...
Photo of the exterior of the Utah State Capitol building
The 2023 Utah legislative session kicked off a few weeks ago, and lawmakers are already working on passing a wide range of bills during the...
Pink Cupcake with sparkler
Today, Rasa is celebrating its one year birthday! On February 10, 2022, Rasa officially opened its doors to help Utahns expunge their criminal records and...
Attorney's offer consultations at tables in the Vivint Arena
More than 1 in 4 Utahns has some type of criminal record, and even old and minor records can hold people back long after they...
Woman with arrows crossing over each other
What’s the difference between Clean Slate Utah and Rasa? It can be easy to get our organizations mixed up, but there are some important differences...
1. Image: Illustrated Rasa logo
So you’ve heard about Rasa, but maybe you still don’t quite understand exactly what we do.  You may also be wondering how Rasa is different...
Anthony #1in3 Portrait Artwork by Yifan Luo
“Regardless of your past, you have a spotless future.” –Anthony After Anthony’s father was killed by a drunk driver, his mother struggled to deal with...
Sheba #1in3 Portrait Artwork by Yifan Luo
“Because of my criminal record, I keep serving my sentence over and over again.” –Sheba Too often, the justice system impacts not just individuals, but...
Amy #1in3 campaign artwork
Amy’s path to the justice system started with a routine foot surgery. 12 surgeries later, she was addicted to opioids, which led to a heroin...