KU Legal Aid Clinic, Douglas County DA's Office and Lawrence Public Library to host criminal record expungement clinic

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas School of Law’s Legal Aid Clinic will host a Clean Slate Criminal Record Expungement Clinic in partnership with the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office and Lawrence Public Library. The clinic will take place in person from noon to 3 p.m. Sept. 12 in the Lawrence Public Library Auditorium, 707 Vermont St.

“We are so excited to partner once again with the District Attorney’s Office and, for the first time, to partner with the Lawrence Public Library to offer this streamlined expungement process to the community,” said Melanie Daily, director of the Legal Aid Clinic at KU.

An expungement seals an arrest record, diversion 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.

“For those who are eligible, expungement can have life-changing consequences. Individuals who achieve expungement can apply for better jobs, volunteer their time, obtain better housing and participate in our community in so many more productive ways once their records are cleared to reflect who they are now, rather than what they did long ago. Working together with the DA’s office allows us to counsel and represent more people, more efficiently, so people can get through court and move on with their lives,” Daily said.

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

“This expungement clinic is a meaningful opportunity for those with criminal records to get a true second chance,” said Suzanne Valdez, Douglas County District Attorney. “We are fortunate to be able to partner with the Legal Aid Clinic to help make our communities safer and stronger by supporting those who have committed themselves to change.”

For any questions regarding the clinic and expungement eligibility, contact the Legal Aid Clinic at 785-864-5564.