Graduation Year

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

M.A.

Degree Name

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Degree Granting Department

Criminology

Major Professor

Shelly M. Wagers, Ph.D.

Co-Major Professor

Jessica M. Grosholz, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Sarah Lockwood, Ph.D.

Keywords

Criminal record, Exploitation, Qualitative analysis, Reintegration

Abstract

Human trafficking is an inherently exploitative crime in which survivors are often coerced or forced into committing crimes. As a result, many carry criminal records that impede successful reintegration. To alleviate this issue, criminal record relief statutes have been enacted throughout the U.S. However, little research has examined the effectiveness of these statutes as well as the experiences of human trafficking survivors seeking criminal record relief and the professionals assisting them. Using semi-structured interviews with human trafficking survivors and criminal justice actors in Florida, this study sought to examine the awareness of criminal record relief, their experiences navigating the process, and the impacts of obtaining relief. Participants identified limitations of Florida’s current criminal record relief statute including a lack of standardized outreach methods and offered recommendations for reform, such as embedding survivor-led responses in every step of the expungement process and expanding the list of eligible crimes for expunction in Florida. Overall, findings from this study also contribute to a deeper understanding of how criminal record relief functions in practice and can guide policy efforts to strengthen its accessibility, implementation, and outcomes for survivors.

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