Search Results

In the News - Second Chance Day 2025 < Back Apr 25, 2025 On April 24, 2025, Time Served and other members of the South Carolina Justice Partners hosted Second Chance Day at the South Carolina State House in Columbia, SC. Executive Director Allison Elder spoke during the coalition's press conference. “We hope this day will encourage more collaboration between local communities, non-profits, and system partners,” said Executive Director Allison Elder. “We want to turn barriers to reentry into opportunities for a second chance for South Carolinians, and we believe our community is safer when we do so.” NEWS COVERAGE: 'Formerly incarcerated South Carolinians push for reform at State House' (ABC NEWS4) NEWS COVERAGE: 'Formerly incarcerated and lawmakers gather for Second Chance Day' (WACH FOX57) South Carolina is one of 24 states that recognizes April as Second Chance Month. Previous Next

Learn about Time Served's Systems-Change Advocacy efforts, working to reform the justice system and create lasting change for individuals impacted by incarceration. Systems-Change Advocacy At Time Served, we’re committed to reshaping the criminal justice landscape in South Carolina. Our work goes beyond individual representation; we advocate for system-wide change to correct injustices and create pathways for a fairer legal system. Innovative Legal Advocacy Our team doesn’t just work within the boundaries of current laws; we think outside the box, developing creative legal strategies to help our clients achieve their goals. However, even the most innovative representation is still shaped by the limits of existing legal frameworks. That’s why we’re proud to be part of South Carolina Justice Partners, a coalition of organizations and advocates working together to push for systemic change. Legal Support for System-Impacted Advocates Within the Justice Partners, Time Served functions as “legal tech support” for system-impacted advocates and reentry-focused organizations. Our role is to provide legal insights and support to those on the front lines, advocating for meaningful reform. We host and participate in events to bridge the gap between law and advocacy, including: Educational Events We help individuals and organizations understand the legal landscape, empowering them to be more informed advocates. Major Initiatives We host and participate in events that bring together community members, advocates, and legal professionals to envision a brighter future for justice in our state, such as our landmark event Reawakening Hope in February 2024. Visionary Legal Drafting In collaboration with advocates, we’re committed to envisioning and drafting laws and policies that will promote fairness and equity within the justice system. Amicus Briefing Support Time Served is honored to provide amicus curiae (friend of the court) support in cases that have the potential to set significant precedents affecting the system-involved population. Through amicus briefs, we bring critical perspectives to the court that highlight the broader implications of a ruling, advocating for justice on a systemic level. Building a Future of Justice Time Served believes that meaningful change is possible when we work together. By partnering with community advocates, reentry organizations, and the broader legal community, we aim to create pathways to justice and bring about lasting change. Together, let’s reimagine what justice can be. Are you an organization or advocate interested in joining forces with us? We’re always open to collaborations that drive our shared goal of a more just legal system. To connect with us on our systems-change work, please reach out to our Executive Director, Allison Elder, via email at aelder@timeserved-sc.org . Contact Us Today

Amanda Belfiore is a Reentry Legal Services Attorney at Time Served. Meet Our Reentry Legal Services Attorney BACK TO ABOUT US BACK TO ABOUT US Amanda Belfiore REENTRY LEGAL SERVICES ATTORNEY Amanda is originally from Newport News, Virginia. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Global Justice and Policy from James Madison University in 2019 and her J.D. from the Charleston School of Law in 2023. During law school, Amanda served as a Guardian ad Litem volunteer, advocating for children in family court, and worked as a Law Clerk helping represent employees in cases involving claims of discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and retaliation in the workplace. After graduating, Amanda was admitted to the District of Columbia Bar and is currently awaiting admission to the South Carolina Bar. Once admitted, she will join Time Served as the Reentry Legal Services Attorney. Amanda is excited to be joining Time Served and continue her commitment to social justice and criminal justice reform. Email Amanda

Time Served Hosts "Reawakening Hope" < Back Megan Powell Mar 9, 2024 “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” - Desmond Tutu For people serving life with parole sentences in South Carolina, the hope for release on parole dwindles with every passing day. South Carolina currently has one of the lowest parole rate grants in the entire country , and as a result, some of the people who deserve release the most are being kept in prison. “I know for a fact I will never violate the law again. I’d be a fool to come back here if given a chance for parole,” said a currently incarcerated person. On February 19th, Time Served hosted Reawakening Hope—a collaborative event aimed at energizing and motivating advocates from all over South Carolina who care about sentencing, parole, and reentry reform, and providing a glimmer of hope for the people who are currently incarcerated in South Carolina. “This is the first time I’ve seen this,” said Jerry Blassingame, Founder and Executive Director of Soteria CDC. “I’ve been out 25 years, and this is the first time that I’ve seen formerly incarcerated people in a room getting ready to organize.” Photos courtesy of Isaac Ellison, Time Capsule Media, LLC. Time Served is extremely grateful for Mr. Ellison's donation of his time and services in covering this event. The crowd was comprised of a record-breaking number of formerly incarcerated advocates, loved ones of currently incarcerated people, and colleagues from local and national organizations, including: · The Campaign for Fair Sentencing of Youth; · Families Against Mandatory Minimums; · South Carolinians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty; · University of South Carolina School of Law; · Justice360; · South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center; · Soteria CDC; · JumpStart; · FreshStart Visions 5.0; · And more. In addition to hearing stories of hope and change from formerly incarcerated advocates, we discussed the 2024 policy priorities of the SCJP, which include reforming South Carolina’s broken parole and compassionate release systems, eliminating juvenile life without parole, and passing Ban the Box legislation. Previous Next

Explore Time Served’s services for formerly incarcerated individuals, including reentry support, legal advocacy, and resources to help rebuild lives and create brighter futures. Services for Formerly Incarcerated Persons Time Served is committed to helping individuals with criminal records overcome the barriers they face. Whether the record is recent or decades old, our team assists in restoring rights, improving stability, and removing obstacles that hinder progress. We provide legal support for record cleaning, family stability, employment, housing, and more. Apply for Services Services for Individuals with Criminal Records Navigating life with a criminal record can bring endless challenges, impacting housing, employment, family relationships, and financial obligations. Time Served offers comprehensive legal assistance in the following areas to support stability and success for those affected by a criminal record: Record Cleaning Assistance with expungements and pardon representation to clear records and restore rights. Family Law Support Legal advice and representation for visitation, custody, and child support, especially when a period of incarceration or a criminal record has complicated family dynamics. Supervision-Related Guidance Help with probation or parole issues, including administrative hearings related to supervision requirements. Driver’s License Reinstatement Assistance in navigating reinstatement processes and overcoming obstacles related to driving privileges. Financial Obligation Management Support for understanding and handling court-imposed financial obligations, including fines, fees, and restitution. Registry Removal and Redress Legal assistance in addressing wrongful or outdated registry requirements, helping to remove unnecessary restrictions under current laws. Key Areas of Focus Our services are targeted toward improving stability in three primary areas: housing, employment, and family. Housing Stability Employment Stability Family Stability Safe and stable housing is essential for rebuilding a life after incarceration. Unfortunately, criminal records often prevent individuals from accessing housing, with 79% of formerly incarcerated people facing denial due to past convictions. Even minor offenses, like disorderly conduct or simple possession, can have a lasting impact on housing eligibility. At our Triune Mercy Center office in Greenville, we work closely with individuals in need of housing support. Join us at Homeless Court on the first Monday of each month to receive guidance and assistance from our team as we help clients navigate the challenges of securing housing with a record. Breaking the cycle of poverty is a cornerstone of our mission. The economic impact of a criminal record is severe, as involvement with the legal system often deepens pre-existing financial struggles. Many formerly incarcerated people find themselves in temporary jobs without benefits or fair wages. Studies show that individuals with criminal records are 50% less likely to receive job callbacks, and only 40% are employed full-time five years post-release. Our record-cleaning services can make a substantial difference. Expunging a record has been shown to increase annual wages by 23%, helping clients move toward economic independence and a more stable future. Keeping families together is critical for community well-being. Nearly half of U.S. children have a parent with a criminal record, and these children often face increased risks of depression, behavioral issues, and poor educational outcomes. Time Served is dedicated to lessening the impact of a criminal record on children and families, helping parents secure the legal assistance they need for reunification and support. Our clients often seek to rebuild relationships with their children and provide a stable home. By addressing family law concerns and improving financial and housing stability, we help parents lay a solid foundation for a better future for themselves and their children. Empowering Change & Restoring Dignity Time Served stands beside those with criminal records, helping them reclaim rights, restore family connections, secure housing, and build a stable life. We believe that every person deserves a second chance to thrive. If you or a loved one needs support, reach out today. Together, we can dismantle barriers and build a bridge forward. Contact Us Today

Kaylie Stapleton is the office manager and paralegal for Time Served. Meet Our Paralegal BACK TO ABOUT US BACK TO ABOUT US Kaylie Stapleton VOLUNTEER PARALEGAL Email Kaylie Kaylie is one of the co-founders of Time Served and volunteers her services as a paralegal. She grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and has lived there her entire life. She received her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina Upstate in 2020. During her studies, she completed an internship with the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice while also working as a Detention Officer in Greenville. Kaylie then returned to school and received her Paralegal Certification from Spartanburg Community College in 2021. Prior to coming to co-founding Time Served, Kaylie worked for a Litigation and Criminal Defense Attorney in Greenville. Kaylie spends her free time hanging out with her nephew and niece or going to some of the beautiful lakes here in the Upstate!

Taylor Gilliam is a member of the Time Served Board of Directors. BACK TO ABOUT US BACK TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS Taylor Gilliam BOARD OF DIRECTORS, SECRETARY Taylor Gilliam is secretary of the Time Served Board of Directors. He is the Pro Bono Director at the University of South Carolina School of Law. He is a 2011 graduate of The Citadel and received his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2014. The current President of the South Carolina Bar Young Lawyers Division, Taylor has previously served on various committees within the YLD and was named “Young Lawyer of the Year” in 2020. Prior to joining the law school, he was an Appellate Defender at the South Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense. Taylor has handled over 300 cases before the South Carolina Court of Appeals and the South Carolina Supreme Court, including 20 oral arguments. Taylor is also a graduate of the South Carolina Bar Leadership Academy, class of 2019. He is a former Chair of the Public Service Committee of the Richland County Bar Association, which recently held its sixth annual “Practical Knowledge for Any Attorney” CLE.

Ndayishimiye "Flo" Florence is a Development Associate at Time Served. Meet Our Development Associate BACK TO ABOUT US BACK TO ABOUT US Ndayishimiye "Flo" Florence DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE Email Flo Ndayishimiye “Flo” Florence is the Development Associate at Time Served. She earned her Bachelor of Arts with honors in Political Science from Presbyterian College, where she double majored in International Affairs and History. Flo then earned her Masters in International Affairs with a concentration in Global Development, Environment, and Sustainability from the O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University, Bloomington. During her academic career, her research focused on the impact of colonialism on development in post-colonial Africa. Some of her other research included women’s representation globally, the portrayal of sexual violence in television dramas, reproductive healthcare access, and more. During her time in graduate school, Flo worked as an intern at the Indiana University Foundation supporting the Affinity Giving areas of Women's Philanthropy, Black Philanthropy, and LGBTQ+ Philanthropy. She also worked in development and alumni relations for the O’Neill School working in donor prospect research and event planning. Before joining Time Served, Flo’s professional journey was focused on higher education. She previously worked as the Assistant Director of External Relations at the Walter Center for Career Achievement, and as an admissions counselor at her alma mater, Presbyterian College. Flo has now joined the Time Served family to continue her passions of fostering inclusive communities globally. Outside of work, Flo enjoys spending time with her family and is very much a homebody. You’ll probably find her binge-watching her favorite shows or reading.

Meet the dedicated Board of Directors behind Time Served, guiding our mission to provide second chances and empower individuals impacted by the justice system. Our Board of Directors The Board of Directors at Time Served brings together a diverse group of leaders committed to advancing justice and supporting meaningful change for formerly incarcerated individuals. Our board members work collaboratively to guide Time Served’s mission, championing innovative legal solutions and systems-change initiatives. Each board member is deeply invested in building pathways to opportunity and dignity for those affected by the criminal justice system, ensuring that Time Served remains a powerful advocate for equity, compassion, and lasting impact. Ana Walker CHAIR Born and raised in South Carolina, Ana Walker practices law in Greenville, South Carolina, as an Assistant Public Defender for the 13th Judicial Circuit. Ana subscribes to a belief shared by Bryan Stevenson, attorney and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative: “We are all more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.” No one should be judged based solely on their worst day. Over her time as a criminal defense lawyer, Ana started to understanding how much American history—including events that occurred over 150 years ago, such as Reconstruction after the Civil War and the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution—continues to maintain the vast disparities within the criminal legal system. Today, people of color and minorities routinely suffer discrimination at the hands of law enforcement, the courts, and the legislature. Ana hopes her advocacy makes even a small impact towards widespread systemic change. Ana wholeheartedly supports Time Served’s mission and work. Their model of direct representation combined with policy advocacy works towards circumventing, and hopefully one day abolishing, the hurdles commonly navigated by those released (and those progressing towards release) from incarceration, attacking South Carolina recidivism rate head-on. Improving the lives of currently and formerly incarcerated improves the lives of all South Carolinians. Don Austin VICE CHAIR Don Austin currently serves as the Facilities Manager at the Triune Mercy Center. They share Christ’s love while meeting the physical needs of their parishioners and provide life-changing opportunities to the disadvantaged. Don has personally experienced mass incarceration in South Carolina, and he has benefitted from legal services that helped him break free of that cycle. In 1992, Don started to experience the cycles of addiction, poverty, incarceration, and homelessness. Eventually, Don was referred to United Ministries’ Place of Hope, a day shelter for people experiencing homelessness in Greenville. That’s where the seed was planted, and he was given lots of resources to help him get his life back together. He successfully completed the Overcomers and the C.S.R.C. substance abuse programs and was given a job at the Salvation Army. Don received a full pardon of his entire South Carolina record and dedicates his life now to helping others overcome the same obstacles he did. He has worked at Triune Mercy Center for 14 years, and he recently celebrated 20 years of sobriety. Taylor Gilliam SECRETARY Taylor Gilliam is secretary of the Time Served Board of Directors. After serving most recently as the Pro Bono Director at the University of South Carolina School of Law, Taylor is now an Assistant Federal Defender for the Columbia office. He is a 2011 graduate of The Citadel and received his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2014. The current President of the South Carolina Bar Young Lawyers Division, Taylor has previously served on various committees within the YLD and was named “Young Lawyer of the Year” in 2020. Prior to joining the law school, he was an Appellate Defender at the South Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense. Taylor has handled over 300 cases before the South Carolina Court of Appeals and the South Carolina Supreme Court, including 20 oral arguments. Taylor is also a graduate of the South Carolina Bar Leadership Academy, class of 2019. He is a former Chair of the Public Service Committee of the Richland County Bar Association which recently held its sixth annual “Practical Knowledge for Any Attorney” CLE.

Time Served Collaborates with FCC to Host Public Commentary Event < Back Shirene Hansotia Feb 1, 2024 Your voice matters! Twenty years ago, a grandmother in Washington, DC wrote a letter to the FCC requesting they look into the steep cost of prison phone calls. At the time, Ms. Wright-Reed was struggling with many serious underlying health issues and subsisting on a meager budget. She faced difficult decisions, often forsaking paying for all of her necessary medications in order to have the funds to speak to her incarcerated grandson. Last year, legislation was passed in her name. The recently adopted Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act of 2022 directs the FCC to adopt just and reasonable in-state communication rates between incarcerated people and their loved ones. On February 1, 2024, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel and former FCC acting chairwoman and member Mignon Clyburn traveled to North Charleston, South Carolina to hold a listening session, gathering testimony from four formerly incarcerated men and women with lived experience trying to maintain familial relationships by phone while incarcerated. These four participants spoke eloquently about their experiences in federal and state prisons, struggling to maintain contact with loved ones, and often having to choose between food or phone calls. They also described frequent dropped calls and a severe shortage of phones within prison facilities, making communication very difficult. "For too many years, families and friends of incarcerated people have struggled with the outrageous costs charged for communicating with their loved ones,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel. “The FCC has long fought this problem using our existing rules, but they limited us to regulating interstate rates. Thanks to Congress and the President, this new law gives the FCC new authority to oversee state rates. I hope my colleagues will support me in taking the next steps to lowering the cost of prison phone bills so that incarcerated people can affordably stay connected with families and loved ones.” The FCC is still accepting public comment regarding incarcerated people's communication services . To file an express comment: Go to www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings/express Indicate the docket number of the proceeding as "23-62" and "12-374" Add your name, basic contact information, and type your brief comments. Check the box at the bottom of the form acknowledging that you are filing a comment into an official FCC proceeding. After submitting your comments, press "Continue to review screen," review your filing, and then press "Submit." Time Served was grateful to collaborate with the FCC and #Turn90 in bringing voices to speak about the high costs of communication in prisons in South Carolina. Previous Next

Guides At Time Served, we believe that access to justice includes widely-available community access to legal information and processes. That's why our team works to create educational Legal Guides related to our work. Please note that the Guides available here are based on general information and not tailored to your specific case. If you would like a specific review of your legal issue, contact us to apply for services. South Carolina Pardon Guide (English) 2025 Second Chance Day - Advocacy Information Packet 2025 Expungement Update - South Carolina Constitutional Carry Act

Meet Debbie Kasle, a dedicated volunteer with Time Served, committed to supporting our mission and helping individuals impacted by the justice system find a path to a brighter future. Meet Our Dedicated Volunteer BACK TO ABOUT US BACK TO ABOUT US Debbie Kasle VOLUNTEER Email Debbie Debbie is a dedicated volunteer at Time Served, supporting the team with both development and client work. Debbie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, magna cum laude, from Tulane University before going on to receive her law degree from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law. She began her legal career practicing corporate and securities law at Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg in Chicago, Illinois, and later at DeNune & Killam in Toledo, Ohio. After stepping back from her career to raise her family in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Debbie remained committed to public service, volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and advocating for children in the foster care system. Her commitment to ethical and compassionate service led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Bioethics from the Medical College of Wisconsin, after which she founded Kasle Planning, a firm focused on medical ethics and advance health care planning. In 2017, Debbie returned to law with a renewed focus on social justice. She served as a volunteer staff attorney with the Milwaukee Justice Center, providing legal support to low-income, unrepresented litigants. She also worked as a mediator with Mediate Milwaukee, helping landlords and tenants resolve disputes. Committed to supporting immigrant families, Debbie participated in the Dilley Pro Bono Project, assisting immigrant mothers and children at the U.S. border with their asylum cases. Most recently, she has volunteered with Root & Rebound, where she provided legal advice to individuals impacted by the prison system.