The city of Lexington is holding an expungement clinic for Fayette County residents with a minor criminal record. This event will give residents a chance to remove barriers to employment, housing, education, and voting.
Kentucky law now allows expungement of many low-level, non-violent offenses. Eligibility details will be available at the event.
Ciara Coleman is the opportunities officer in the mayor's office. She said it's a simple process for those who attend.
“They will fill out some paperwork given to them from Legal Aid of the Bluegrass. They will sit with the intake staff, where they will be able to pull up all of their charges, all of their information. One of the things we love is that people don't have to bring anything at all to the clinic,” she said.
She said expungement is a lengthy process, but this is a good starting point.
“They get their background checks done, they're on site as well. From there, if they qualify, they go back and sit with the attorneys to begin the expungement process. The process does take a little while; it's not instant. It may take up to six months to a year to get the complete expungement,” Coleman said.
Attendees will also have access to employment resources through WORK-Lexington partners. These include job search assistance, resume help, and employer connections.
The February 19 clinic already has 100 registered participants, but walk-ins are welcome.
The clinic will take place from 1-4 p.m. Tomorrow at the Davis Park Workforce Center in Lexington.
