Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, KY
10/23/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/23/2024 10:21
Mayor announces plans for fall Expungement Clinic, Job Fair
Mayor Linda Gorton and community partners today announced plans for the next Clean Slate Lexington Expungement Clinic and Job Fair.
The event, set for Wednesday, October 30, at Central Bank Center, will offer residents the possibility of expunging qualifying misdemeanors and felonies from their criminal records.
"Our Clean Slate Lexington Expungement Clinics have given a second chance to many people in our community," Mayor Linda Gorton said. "These clinics help our residents expunge their records from low-level, non-violent offenses. They can also obtain basic resources, and open doors to new opportunities." Expungement can remove hurdles to voting, employment, education, and housing.
The first expungement clinic was held in April 2022. Since then, the City has held five expungement clinics, and over 1300 individuals have received expungement-related services through the Clean Slate Lexington initiative.
Tiffany Brown, the City's Equity and Implementation Officer, coordinates Clean Slate Lexington events. "The expungement process not only clears a person's record, but also restores dignity and hope. It is a chance to move beyond mistakes of the past, and to pursue new opportunities without the weight of a criminal record," Brown said. "This is a critical step toward addressing the systemic inequities that disproportionately affect people of color and residents in our community with significant financial barriers."
Aretha Fisher, a resident of Lexington, has benefited from the City's expungement clinics. "After finding out about the expungement clinic and the type of help they provided I was so excited. Working with the lawyers to get these charges off of my record was the best thing that could have happened. I had multiple charges removed from my record within a year's time. Since my expungement, I have completed school to be a state registered nurse aide. I'm currently working at the University of Kentucky Hospital."
In Kentucky, expungement reform has been occurring for over 30 years. In recent years, the legislature has expanded expungement eligibility to include many low-level, non-violent offenses. Eligibility details will be available at the Clean Slate event.
"At Legal Aid of the Bluegrass, we are excited to be participating in Lexington's Clean Slate Expungement Clinic and Job Fair this month," Executive Director Robert Johns said. "We are committed to empowering people and helping them reclaim their futures by providing access to expungement services. Expungement can change lives, and we appreciate Lexington holding this event to break down barriers and create opportunities."
Kentucky Department of Corrections Assistant Director of the Division of Reentry Services Christi Sorrell said, "It is a privilege for the Kentucky Department of Corrections to come alongside the city of Lexington and provide opportunities for education, hope and restoration for the justice-involved population as they return to society. The Beshear-Coleman administration has recorded the three lowest recidivism rates in over a decade, and every day we reaffirm our commitment to continue that momentum for the safety of all Kentuckians."
Employers will be on site to conduct job interviews, and the state and city workforce programs, WORK-Lexington and the Kentucky Career Center, will also be available.
Amy Glasscock, the City's Director of Business Engagement, said, "This year, we have partnered with a diverse array of employers who understand that a person's past does not define their future. These companies are actively seeking to hire qualified candidates, and recognize the unique perspective and resilience that individuals with a criminal history can bring to the workplace."
Registration and a background check are required for those interested in participating in the Clean Slate Expungement Clinic and Job Fair. The expungement clinic will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30, at Central Bank Center, 425 West High Street. Find details and register online.