Graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have created a platform that simplifies the process of expunging criminal records for those who are eligible.

Graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have created a platform that simplifies the process of expunging criminal records for those who are eligible.

In the heart of Washington, D.C., two African American entrepreneurs, Lawrence Blackmon and Roger Roman, Howard University graduates, have co-founded LegalEase, a groundbreaking justice-tech startup. Their mission: to make the expungement process more accessible, affordable, and efficient for millions of Americans.

LegalEase's flagship product, Expungement.ai, is an AI-powered platform that simplifies the expungement process. With just a few clicks, or a phone call, text, or chat, users can determine their eligibility for expunging felony and misdemeanor records and file court petitions in about five minutes, without the need for an attorney. This innovative approach aims to help individuals clear their records, paving the way for better employment and housing opportunities [1][2][4].

The high incarceration rates of Black Americans have created significant barriers to employment and housing in the United States. According to a report by The Sentencing Project, Black Americans are incarcerated at nearly five times the rate of white Americans [3]. A 2010 study by the University of Georgia School of Public and International Affairs found that nearly 8% of adults in the US have a felony conviction [5].

Lawrence Blackmon, a practicing attorney and Mississippi State Representative, is focused on criminal justice reform. He stated in a press release that too many people have waited years for a second chance. Roger Roman, a two-time tech founder, investor, and ecosystem builder with experience in multiple startups, is also involved in mental wellness initiatives for the Black community [1][2].

The LegalEase platform, Expungement.ai, offers a conversational experience to users through voice, web chat, or SMS text, making it accessible to individuals without reliable internet or extensive legal knowledge. The platform is currently operational statewide in Mississippi, with planned expansions to Illinois, the DC/Maryland corridor, and eventually nationwide within 18 months. LegalEase aims to process one million expungements by 2030 [1][2][4].

By providing equal justice, LegalEase strives to reach every zip code in America. The founders believe that everyone deserves a chance at a fresh start, and their platform is designed to help individuals navigate the complex expungement process efficiently, opening doors that were previously closed due to legal and financial hurdles.

References: [1] LegalEase. (n.d.). About. Retrieved from https://www.legalease.ai/about [2] Blackmon, L., & Roman, R. (2021, September 28). LegalEase Launches Expungement.ai, a Conversational AI Platform to Help Individuals Clear Their Records. Retrieved from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/legalease-launches-expungementai-a-conversational-ai-platform-to-help-individuals-clear-their-records-301387604.html [3] The Sentencing Project. (2020). Racial Disparities in the U.S. Criminal Justice System. Retrieved from https://www.sentencingproject.org/publications/racial-disparities-in-the-u-s-criminal-justice-system/ [4] LegalEase. (n.d.). Expungement.ai. Retrieved from https://www.legalease.ai/expungement-ai [5] University of Georgia School of Public and International Affairs. (2010). Collateral Consequences of Conviction. Retrieved from https://www.ugapublicpolicy.org/research/collateral-consequences-conviction

Thefounders, Lawrence Blackmon and Roger Roman, have co-founded LegalEase, an education-and-self-development initiative that incorporates technology to streamline the expungement process, providing a more accessible and affordable solution for millions of Americans seeking employment and housing opportunities. LegalEase's flagship product, Expungement.ai, offers an innovative approach using AI technology to simplify the legal complexities, empowering users without extensive legal knowledge to navigate the process efficiently.

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