The Code To Winning – Episode 063: "Redemption Through Law: The Veteran Fighting for Second Chances"

Guest: Danielle Skranak | Host: Kagiso Dikane
Date: October 17, 2025

Overview: Episode Theme & Purpose

This episode explores the world of rights restoration for convicted felons, focusing on the legal pathways, challenges, and hopes for individuals seeking a second chance after serving their sentences. Host Kagiso Dikane sits down with Danielle Skranak, an expert criminal law paralegal, veteran, and founder of Pro Paralegal AZ, to discuss how her work empowers former offenders to reclaim their civil liberties—specifically the rights to vote, run for office, and bear arms. The conversation winds through personal stories, systemic issues, and practical advice meant to inspire hope and inform both affected individuals and a wider public.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. What Rights Are Lost and How Restoration Works

• Rights Typically Lost: Upon felony conviction, individuals lose the right to vote, run for office, and possess firearms. (00:00–00:40)
• Arizona Law:
  • As of 2022, individuals with a single felony conviction have their civil rights (except firearm rights) automatically restored.
  • Multiple felonies require a petition process with review of the individual's record and community impact. (00:00–00:40, 03:38)
• Classes of Felonies:
  • Non-violent offenses like DUIs are treated differently from dangerous crimes involving weapons.
  • Eligibility for firearm rights restoration is stricter for those whose crimes involved weapons or violence. (00:45–01:15, 04:51)

2. The Restoration Process

• Role of a Paralegal vs. Attorney:
  • Most restoration petitions are paperwork-driven; hiring a paralegal/legal document preparer is often more affordable and equally effective as an attorney. (02:56)
• General Steps:
  1. Evaluate eligibility based on conviction type and record.
  2. Establish client's goals: restoration of voting, office-holding, firearm rights, or all.
  3. Prepare a standardized petition packet focusing on evidence of rehabilitation (employment, non-recidivism, community contribution).
  4. Submit to the court; a judge reviews to assess likelihood to reoffend. (08:26–09:25)
• Waiting Period:
  • For firearm rights, there is a mandatory two-year wait post-release or probation. (09:52)

3. Crime and Redemption: Nuance in Law

• Severity Matters:
  • Non-violent vs. violent felonies: restoration is generally not possible for crimes like murder, child rape, or drive-by shootings. (04:51–05:49)
• Examples:
  • DUI and aggravated DUI are common, harshly penalized in Arizona; offenders are often eligible after demonstrating reform.
  • Manslaughter: Danielle recounts restoring rights to a man convicted of vehicular manslaughter after serving eight years, showing that remorseful individuals can regain full participation in society. (14:55–15:49)
• Expungement:
  • Arizona allows expungement for certain marijuana convictions since legalization. (07:43)

4. The Human Impact: Personal Stories and Motivation

• Danielle’s Motivation:
  • Her stepfather’s felony DUI conviction and subsequent challenges inspired her to enter legal advocacy and rights restoration.
  • Personal experience with stigma and economic hardship reinforced the need for second chances.
  • Military police background ingrained a philosophy: “They're already punished by being in prison. We shouldn't be negative or biased.” (10:53–12:19)
• Restoring Hope:
  • Restored rights often instill a “sense of hope in their eye again.”
  • Danielle stresses that a felony should not be a life-long sentence. (13:53)

5. Policy & Philosophy

• Reform vs. Restoration:
  • Danielle calls for less reform and more restoration: “I don’t believe in reform. I don’t believe reform is necessary. I really want to use my law degree to stand up for what I believe and how I interpret the Constitution.” (26:31)
• Second Amendment Advocacy:
  • A strong advocate for gun rights: “Everyone should be able to own a weapon, own a gun. I think it’s imperative, in fact, as part of our Constitution.” (20:47–21:17)

6. The Role of Paralegals & Accessibility

• Cost and Access:
  • Flat fee pricing and streamlined paperwork make services accessible to many who couldn’t otherwise afford legal help.
  • “One of the biggest mistakes felons make is not filling out all the paperwork correctly, so then it gets rejected.” (17:44–18:16)
• Education:
  • Many convicted individuals do not know these options exist; Danielle actively focuses on education and outreach. (17:04–17:23)
• Clientele:
  • Majority are blue-collar workers, underscoring the need for practical, accessible legal support. (38:13–41:49)

7. Expansion and Future Goals

• Growth Plans:
  • Expanding beyond Arizona, helping in states like Washington and Minnesota.
  • Aspires to attend law school to influence rights restoration policy at a national level. (18:30, 21:34)
• Federal Momentum:
  • Hopes for federal restoration of firearm rights if national laws are reformed. (18:43)

8. Systemic Barriers and Social Justice

• Collateral Consequences:
  • Employment and housing discrimination against ex-felons is widespread.
• Court Fees and Fines:
  • Fines, fees, and restitution must be paid for rights to be restored—clarified distinction between court-ordered fines and speeding tickets. (34:12–36:51)
• Hope & Advice:
  • To those reentering: “One past mistake does not define the rest of your life. We all make mistakes... Just have faith.” (33:09)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Danielle Skranak on Second Chances:

  “It shouldn’t be a lifetime sentence, essentially, to be a felon.” (10:53)
  “Once I restore these civil liberties, I do see a sense of hope in their eye again. That’s kind of the main goal here.” (13:53)

• On Stigma and Reintegration:

  “We shouldn’t be negative or, again, have that stigma or be biased towards them because they’re felons.” (11:38)

• Eligibility & Process:

  “If you want to apply for your firearm rights, you have to wait at least two years from the date of your absolute discharge.” (09:52)

• Host Kagiso on Hope:

  “What you provide is hope. It’s such an important thing, knowing that, hey, you can vote, start a business, and your life isn’t over after one mistake.” (31:53)

• On Legal Work:

  “Law is a chess game and you really need to be two steps ahead of your opponent in order to win. ChatGPT just can't guess what your opponent is going to do.” (28:48)

• Defining Winning:

  Danielle: “Winning is just anytime that I am happy. That’s one of the biggest reasons why I started my own business.” (43:09)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:00] – Introduction to Felon Rights, Arizona Law
• [02:32] – Danielle’s Role and Company Mission
• [04:09] – What Courts Consider for Restoration
• [08:26] – Step-By-Step Client Onboarding
• [10:53] – Danielle’s Origin Story and Motivation
• [14:55] – Example: Rights Restored in Manslaughter Case
• [17:23] – Importance of Education & Outreach
• [20:47] – Danielle’s Second Amendment Advocacy
• [21:34] – Future Vision, Law School Ambitions
• [26:31] – Policy Philosophy
• [33:09] – Hope and Advice for Returning Citizens
• [43:09] – Danielle’s Definition of Winning
• [44:24] – How to Connect with Pro Paralegal AZ

Concluding Insights

This episode stands as a comprehensive resource for understanding the real-world legal, emotional, and societal landscape of rights restoration for felons in Arizona (and beyond). Danielle Skranak brings both expertise and compassionate advocacy—offering listeners practical guidance, empathy, and a hopeful outlook on the journey to truly “seize the world tomorrow.”