A Redemption Fair hosted by the city of Miami's Overtown NET office, Miami-Dade's public defender and state attorney offices aims to help people with criminal records who are seeking a second chance.

The program takes place from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the NET office, 1490 NW Third Ave.

The session will include tips on how people with records can learn more about their records and how to move on, said county public defender Bennett Brummer.

''People are often anxious about what they must disclose on a job application,'' Brummer said. ``We inform them about how to handle employer questions, especially regarding their criminal histories.''

Job seekers with records can get tips on, say, how to get the most out of applying for employment. Somebody might not understand that a dismissal or ''nolle prosse'' are not the same as a conviction and may not have to be disclosed, Brummer said.

The program will also include discussions of how to get a record sealed or expunged, how to apply for clemency and how to get voting rights restored.

One city employee said a workshop on records would be more suitable than a traditional job seminar for Overtown residents.

''It makes no sense to talk about jobs when so many people here in Overtown have records,'' said Overtown NET administrator Loren Daniel. ``We need to give these guys on the corner an opportunity to go straight.''

Once-thriving Overtown, with a population of more than 11,000, has wrestled over the years with drugs, homelessness and poverty.

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