Rasa uses modern technology to reduce manual work, but behind the scenes, all of our cases are handled by a dedicated team that handles the legal work involved in clearing a criminal record. In Arizona, that team is led by Summer Crockett, a licensed Arizona lawyer who is responsible for all of our Arizona cases.
Summer joined the Rasa team in June 2024. She now handles nearly all sealing, set aside, and rights restoration cases we handle in Arizona. Handling hundreds of cases gives her a close view of how people can benefit from record clearance. In this interview, Summer shares her background, insights, and advice for getting started.
Experience & Perspective
Before focusing on record clearance, Summer worked in other parts of the legal system. Those experiences shaped the approach she brings to Rasa and continue to guide how she practices law with her clients today.
Q: You started your career as an Arizona lawyer on the other side of the equation, as a prosecutor. What did that teach you about the system?
A: Working as a prosecutor taught me that there must be consequences for our actions, but those consequences should not last forever. I also learned that sometimes the justice system doesn’t lead to good outcomes for anyone. While our justice system has its flaws, I have a deep appreciation for the rule of law and believe we can work together to improve our system and achieve better outcomes.
Q: You’ve worked with survivors of trafficking. How has that shaped the way you see your clients’ cases today?
A: Working with victims of trafficking has taught me that people are often more complex than we can see at first glance. Looking at a record on paper won’t give you the context about a person. Things like drug use, or theft records are often symptomatic of other more complicated circumstances in a person’s life. That’s why taking time to learn about a person matters.
Record Clearing Insights From Our Arizona Lawyer
In Arizona, there are several legal options for clearing a record. Many people don’t realize what relief is available. As an experienced Arizona lawyer, Summer explains what people should understand before beginning the process.
Q: Since sealing is still new in Arizona, what do you wish more people knew about it?
A: I wish more people knew that it’s possible to seal a record. I don’t think enough people even know it is an option or know what sealing means. While there are some exceptions, when your record is sealed under Arizona law, you have the legal right not to disclose it on housing or job applications. It also should not appear on background checks. I also wish people knew that the efforts they make post-release following probation or incarceration can help them clear their record down the road.
Q: What challenges in the record clearing process do people not usually expect?
A: Several people don’t know that unpaid legal financial obligations will prevent them from clearing their criminal record. I wish more people in the justice system knew how important it is to work on paying fines and fees. Even if someone pays just $5 per month, it can be helpful in showing the court a level of commitment and dedication to fulfilling a person’s sentence. This can sometimes for the basis of a successful motion to reduce or waive fees.
Technology in the Record Clearing Process
From finding records to preparing petitions, technology now plays a central role in making record clearance more accessible. We asked Summer about how these changes affect her clients and the value of working with the Rasa team.
Q: As an Arizona lawyer, do you think technology actually makes a difference in record clearing?
A: Technology absolutely makes a difference to our team and is a key part of having impact at scale. It can make the process faster for people and attorneys. It can help you find all your records and assist us in drafting and filing your paperwork. Without good technology, we would not be able to provide affordable legal services to people in need.
Q: Is it better to have lawyers who use technology in their practice, and if so, why?
A: I think it is better to hire lawyers who integrate technology into their practice because they are more time efficient. Most lawyers charge by the hour. Technology can speed up the legal processes so it takes a lawyer a fraction of the time to do the work. Meaning, that for the same product, it takes less time, so a person can pay less money. I think it makes access to an attorney more affordable and is going to be a game changer for the legal profession.
Q: What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting the record clearing process?
A: Start as soon as you can. Don’t wait for your record to be a barrier. It is a time consuming process, but it will be more worth more than you know to be relieved of the burden of a criminal record.
Summer’s work as an Arizona lawyer reflects how legal expertise and technology can be combined to make record clearance more accessible. If you’d like to work with Summer and the rest of our dedicated team, we make the process simple. The first step is to use our eligibility tool to see what your options are.
