Click on the questions below for a quick answer to some of the many questions you might have about your return to the community. If you are looking for other information, use the contact form to let us know how we can help.
You can contact an LRC case worker by sending an email to lthomas@lincnc.org or calling 910.889.1140 You will be invited to attend an information session. These sessions are generally held every other Friday, and last about one hour.
Collateral consequences are legal and regulatory sanctions and restrictions that limit or prohibit people with criminal records from accessing employment, occupational licensing, housing, voting, education, and other opportunities. Collateral consequences most frequently affect people who have been convicted of a crime, though in some states an arrest alone—even an arrest that doesn't result in a conviction—may trigger a collateral consequence.
Parole is controlled by North Carolina's department of corrections. The parole board is given the authority to determine whether an individual will be released from prison or placed on parole.
Probation is a period of supervision in the community. Probation is supervised by a local agency, like the Probation Department. Probation is ordered by the court as a substitute of incarceration, or instead of parole for individuals coming out of incarceration.
A Probation Officer does many things. They do work similar to a social worker, court room advocate, or law enforcement officer. Probation Officers enforce the conditions of probation and help individuals understand and follow the directives of the court. They also help build a case plan, connect you with resources, and help you reenter the community.
The Community Corrections department provides viable alternatives and meaningful supervision to offenders on probation, parole or post-release supervision. The primary goal of Community Corrections is to reach an equal balance of control and treatment for offenders that will positively affect their behavior and lifestyle patterns. Probation /parole officers protect the public safety by helping offenders learn to live within the law. They supervise offenders' activities in the community and ensure their compliance with court orders and sanctions.
Post Release Supervision, and Parole, are forms of supervision in the community after completing a prison sentence.
Court-ordered drug and alcohol treatment is treatment that the courts assign to individuals facing a criminal conviction. Often in return for the treatment, individuals will get less strict penalties or shorter jail time. The goal is to help individuals who are addicted to drugs or alcohol get true help, rather than just a punishment for their crimes.
Are you eligible for an expungement? There are different rules for dismissed cases and convictions. For dismissed cases there is now no limit on the amount of dismissed cases and not guilty cases you can get erased through the expungement process (as long as you don’t have a felony conviction or an active criminal case). For convictions there are certain crimes that are not eligible for expungement and there are different rules for those under 18 at the time of offense, under 22 for certain crimes and then a 5/10 year wait for felony charges (10) and misdemeanors (5). We generally need to pull court records to confirm whether you are eligible.
If you are determined to be eligible for an expungement, your legal representative must file a petition for expunction in the clerk’s office in the county where you were charged. You may need to sign affidavits and get character witnesses to do the same. There may or may not be court costs of $175 depending on the type of expungement.
In Wilmington, North Carolina, the Adult Probation Department is at 721 Market Street. The phone number is 910.251.2701.
There are numerous community- and faith-based organizations that offer a variety of services and support to returning citizens. It may be overwhelming to navigate the options and ensure that you meet the criteria to qualify for help. Your LRC case worker will help you determine which services best match your short- and long-term needs, and which will help set you on a path for successful reentry.
Plan your reentry to ease your transition from jail or prison back into the community. You need to know what steps to take and what help is available.
Contacting your probation supervisor or parole officer and sticking with the conditions of your release is the most important thing you need to do. The Probation Office also has resources to help your reentry.
You need to have your important documents for job applications, leases, and other things. If you don’t have your social security card, birth certificate, and other items, you can apply for them.
Find out what benefits – food stamps, housing, medical care, counseling – you qualify for. Complete your applications. There are people who can help you sort through the process. Don’t forget to show up for your appointments!
Following the steps for a successful reentry will help you turn your setbacks into comebacks. There are resources and help available for every challenge you face; you just have to look for it and believe in yourself.