State Bar of Georgia’s BASICS Program Goes on After 45 Years

Michael Kennedy McIntyre & Associates is a Georgia-based law practice that helps people obtain relief from their current convictions and overcome restrictions that come along with prior convictions. Michael Kennedy McIntyre & Associates was established in 1985 by experienced lawyer Michael McIntyre, who is in good standing of the State Bar of Georgia.

The State Bar of Georgia serves as the governing body of the legal profession in the State of Georgia. All practicing lawyers in Georgia are members of the Bar. The Bar implements various programs to assist its members and the public. One of the Bar’s longest-running programs for the public is the BASICS Program.

The BASICS or Bar Association Support to Improve Correctional Services is an offender rehabilitation program wherein the participants are assisted to stay out of jail through instruction, guidance, and counseling. The BASICS is sponsored by the Bar’s BASICS Committee.

In 1976, the US Supreme Court challenged all lawyers to play an active part in criminal reform. The American Bar Association responded positively. Twenty-two bar associations across the country started their BASICS programs. While each program was customized for each association, each dealt with criminal reform. Forty-five years later, the State Bar of Georgia’s BASICS World of Work Program is the only remaining BASICS program from the original 22 that continues to serve to this day.

The BASICS World of Work Program runs for 10 weeks. Within one year of release, former inmates who participate in the program receive business education, personal development, motivation, and counseling for employability.

Removal of Level 1 Offenders from Georgia Sex Offenders Registry

A degree holder from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Michael Kennedy McIntyre founded the law firm Michael Kennedy McIntyre and Associates in 1985. With over three decades of experience practicing law, Michael Kennedy McIntyre is well-versed in the process of petitioning for removal of a convicted sex offender from the Georgia sex offender registry. According to the Georgia sex offender registry, two categories of crimes warrant registration, dangerous sexual offenses and criminal offenses against a minor. While having a name removed from the sex offenders list can be an uphill task, it can make a significant positive change in the life of the person affected. Specific requirements must be met for a person’s name to be removed from the sex offender registry. Persons whose sentences ended over ten years ago must be classified as Level 1 offenders to be considered for removal. Level 1 offenders are considered low-risk offenders. Level 1 offenders may provide information such as psychological evaluations, character letters, treatment records, and witness statements from local law enforcement or probation officers. After the attorney gathers all the relevant information needed, he or she then prepares and files a petition to have the offender’s name removed from the sex offender registry. A judge will then evaluate the request for removal. If the judge rules in favor and the offender is found eligible for removal, their name will be removed from the registry.

Georgia Sexual Offender Registration Review Board

Atlanta-based law firm Michael Kennedy McIntyre & Associates practices in the field of post-conviction representation including representation before the Georgia Sexual Offender Registration Review Board, commonly referred to as SORRB. SORRB is responsible for determining the likelihood that a sexual offender will engage in another crime against a minor victim or commit a dangerous sexual offense. A sexual offender shall be placed into one of the three risk assessment classifications based upon SORRB’s assessment criteria and information obtained and reviewed by SORRB. The three risk assessment classifications are a Level I risk assessment classification, a Level II risk assessment classification, or a sexually dangerous predator classification. The offender may provide SORRB with information for SORRB’s consideration prior to a decision by SORRB. If SORRB determines that an offender will be classified as a Level II risk assessment classification or as a sexually dangerous predator, the offender may petition SORRB to reevaluate his or her classification by filing a petition for reclassification within 30 days from the date on the letter which contains SORRB’s risk assessment classification decision. The risk assessment classification of an offender is reported on the Georgia Sex Offender Registry which is maintained by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

The Experienced Team at Michael Kennedy McIntyre and Associates

Michael Kennedy McIntyre has built a career as a successful post-conviction attorney through his work with Michael Kennedy McIntyre & Associates, an Atlanta law firm he founded in 1985. In pursuing appeals, pardons, and parole for his clients, he relies on the support of the following members of his experienced staff.

Jessica A. Lexmond, Associate Attorney
Ms. Lexmond has represented clients of Michael Kennedy McIntyre & Associates since graduating from Emory University School of Law in 2008. While completing her law degree, she interned with the firm, as well as developed skills in criminal and appellate defense through internships with the Office of the Georgia Capital Defender and the Federal Defender Program.

Marla Blackmon, Parole Specialist
Ms. Blackmon’s career has seen her spend 24 years with the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles, where her last position was Assistant Director of Guidelines/Appeals Officer. Ms. Blackmon is also a former member of the Georgia Department of Corrections and has applied her expertise in both corrections and parole with Michael Kennedy McIntyre & Associates since 2012.

Erica Sessions, Office Manager
Ms. Sessions joined the firm in 2001. She is responsible for conducting consultations with potential clients of the firm and their families. A recipient of a bachelor of business administration from Georgia State University, she also oversees office functions as well as handles the firm’s financials.