KU Legal Aid Clinic, Douglas County DA’s Office to host Expungement Clinic

LAWRENCE – The University of Kansas School of Law’s Legal Aid Clinic and the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office will host a virtual Clean Slate Criminal Record Expungement Clinic in March.

An expungement seals an arrest record or conviction from public view, with certain exceptions. The Legal Aid Clinic will provide free legal representation to eligible individuals seeking to expunge records in Douglas County District Court and/or Lawrence Municipal Court.

Prospective clients for expungement can call the Legal Aid Clinic at 785-864-5564 during two virtual intake days. Legal interns and staff attorneys will talk with clients to determine eligibility for expungement. Virtual intake will be available:

• Wednesday, March 2: 3-6 p.m.
• Thursday, March 3: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Individuals can also schedule an in-person or Zoom meeting to complete their screening. Individuals who are not available during the intake days can schedule an appointment during the first two weeks of March by calling Legal Aid at 785-864-5564.

“Criminal record expungement is such an important possibility under Kansas law for individuals who have completed their sentences, made changes in their lives, and who are now seeking to move beyond the stigma and barriers resulting from those past mistakes. It can be life-changing,” said Melanie Daily, director of the Legal Aid Clinic at KU Law.

“We appreciate the renewed collaboration with the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office that helps us streamline this process, making our free legal representation in these matters accessible to even more people this year,” Daily said.

The clinic can accept clients with income up to 250% of the federal poverty level. Clients who do not qualify for a waiver of the filing fee will need to pay those court costs, but no attorney’s fees, as long as they are eligible for services. After the intake clinic, clients will need to attend one additional appointment and any required court hearings with their attorney.

“A criminal record can make it difficult to get a lease or to find employment – the basics for building a life in a community. The second chance offered by an expungement should not be limited to those with the means to pay an attorney to help them navigate the system,” said District Attorney Suzanne Valdez. “We are honored to co-host this event with the Legal Aid Clinic.”