LAWRENCE – The University of Kansas School of Law Advocacy Clinic will host a criminal background elimination clinic this spring in partnership with the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office and the Lawrence Public Library. The clinic will take place in person from noon to 2:30 pm on February 6 at the Lawrence Public Library Auditorium, 707 Vermont St.
“As a public library, we want to expand the public’s understanding of the deletion process,” said Marc Veloz, community resources specialist at the Lawrence Public Library. “One tangible way we can do this is to provide a space for this service and help get our community partners out there.”
An expungement seals an arrest, detour, or conviction record from public view, with some exceptions. The Legal Aid Clinic will provide free legal assistance to eligible individuals seeking to cancel records in Douglas County District Court and/or Lawrence Municipal Court.
“Convictions for certain crimes should not be a life sentence,” said District Attorney Suzanne Valdez. “Thanks to this opportunity, people can access the deportation process for free and remove long-standing barriers to education, housing and employment. We are fortunate to be able to work with the Legal Aid Clinic to provide this service to our community.”
The clinic can accept clients with incomes up to 250% of the federal poverty level. Clients who qualify for Legal Aid Clinic representation but do not qualify for a per-case court filing fee waiver will be required to pay that court fee, but not attorneys’ fees, as long as they are eligible for the services.
Following the intake clinic day at the library, clients will need to attend an additional appointment and all required hearings with their legal aid attorney.
“We are thrilled that our law students are partnering again with the District Attorney’s Office and the Lawrence Public Library to offer this clinic to undocumented individuals in Douglas County,” said Melanie Daily, clinical associate professor and director by Douglas County Legal Aid Society Inc. “Criminal record expunging plays an important role in the justice system by enabling qualified individuals to reenter the community and do good work – in their homes, schools, workplaces and beyond. It’s a final step in making sure their records reflect not their mistakes, but the progress they’ve made.
If you have any questions regarding the clinic and eligibility for expungement, please contact the Legal Aid Clinic at 785-864-5564.
