A Second Chance: Jessica's Journey

For Jessica, having her felony record sealed in 2026 is more than a legal accomplishment. It represents a second chance after years of addiction, loss and rebuilding her life.

Jessica completed Smart Justice Services in Garland County this year, an experience she says opened doors she once believed were permanently closed.

“I never thought I could get my record sealed,” Jessica said. “Sarah pushed me, and without her I wouldn’t have ever done it. She went above and beyond to help me.”

Jessica’s journey into the justice system began in 2015 after her husband went to prison and her mother passed away within months of each other. Struggling with grief, she said her substance use progressed from pain pills to methamphetamine.

Her addiction eventually led to shoplifting and other offenses and, ultimately, her first felony charge for possession of methamphetamines.

“I wanted to use as much as possible where I didn’t feel any pain,” Jessica said. “Numbing my pain was easier than having to grieve the loss of my mother.”

Within months, she had lost her children, husband, job, home and vehicle. She eventually made the decision to enter recovery on her birthday, July 22, 2016, and went to Karli’s Home.

Jessica credits recovery, her family and her faith with helping her rebuild her life. She regained custody of her children, her husband came home in 2018, and she went on to work at both Karli’s Home and Quapaw House. She also taught a Bible study at the Garland County Detention Center.

Her husband died in a tragic car accident on June 26, 2026. Despite the devastating loss, Jessica said she has remained committed to her recovery.

“I knew in my heart that my husband was still with me and he would never want me to touch another drug,” she said. “God and my husband’s love is what has kept me clean.”

Jessica learned about Smart Justice Services while in court and decided to pursue the possibility of having her record sealed. Through the program, she completed a financial class, was offered counseling services, regained her driver's license and ultimately had both her felony record sealed and misdemeanor cases dismissed.

The impact has been significant.

“It has given me a chance to go back to school or be able to get a job without being turned down due to my background,” she said.

Having her driver's license reinstated has also given her a sense of freedom after years without it.

“Having it back and not having to look over my shoulder is the best feeling,” she said.

Jessica is now considering returning to school, earning a Peer Support Specialist Certificate and possibly pursuing work in criminal justice. She already holds a college degree in criminal justice, earned before addiction changed the direction of her life.

Her experience has also shaped the message she wants others to hear about people who have struggled with addiction or have a criminal record.

“We are just normal people too,” she said. “Do not judge someone because you haven’t walked in their shoes.”

Jessica encourages others facing similar challenges not to give up.

“The hill may be hard to climb, but it is so, so worth it in the end,” she said. “Just don’t give up. Believe in yourself, stay plugged in, surround yourself around people you want to be like.”

For Jessica, having her felony record sealed is a tangible sign of how far she has come—and an opportunity to keep moving forward.