A criminal record can stand in the way of numerous opportunities, from employment to financial assistance to continuing education.
Many don’t know that some past offenses can be “wiped clean” from their records. An event planned for Tuesday, April 25, in Madisonville is a chance for those individuals to find out if they are eligible.
A criminal history expungement clinic will be held from 1:30-4 p.m. at the Ballard Convention Center at 605 E. Arch Street in Madisonville. Organized by the West Kentucky Workforce Board, the “Wipe Your Record Clean” event will provide guidance in the process.
“Having your criminal record wiped clean and expunged is vital to personal advancement,” said Molly Deahl, Business Liaison with the board. “And (it’s) a top priority of the West Kentucky Workforce Board.”
Last year’s event saw more participants than any other conducted by the Workforce Board in the past, Deahl said. She doesn’t expect that to change.
“We expect to see the same this year,” she said.
The agency is also offering an incentive for those who arrive early for the clinic, thanks to one of the event partners.
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“We can again offer the coverage of the expungement eligibility fee, a $40 value, for the first 100 qualified attendees, thanks to the Hopkins County Law Library,” Deahl added.
The event will allow participants to access their background checks, and speak to on-site attorneys to review their records to determine whether they meet expungement requirements. It also offers networking opportunities with second-chance employers and community resource groups.
Organizers state the clinic will explain the expungement process individuals will need to take regardless of their county of residence. However, each person seeking to have their records wiped will have to file for expungement in the county where he or she was convicted.
Out of state convictions cannot be addressed at the event.
This event is hosted in partnership with: the West Kentucky Workforce Board, 4th Judicial District Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, Hopkins County Attorney’s Office Child Support Unit, Hopkins County Bar Association, Commonwealth of Kentucky Court of Justice, Team Kentucky -Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, West Kentucky Reentry Council, and Madisonville-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation.
Those interested in attending can find out more information on Facebook at https://tinyurl.com/5erjb2pk