Kentucky Legal Aid to host free expungement clinic in Allen County

SCOTTSVILLE, Ky. — A criminal record can make it harder to find a job, secure housing or move forward after completing a sentence.

Later this month, Kentucky Legal Aid hopes to help eligible people take the next step through a free expungement clinic in Allen County.

The clinic will be held Tuesday, Aug. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Washington Center in downtown Scottsville. It is open to Allen County residents and anyone with criminal charges from Allen County.

While walk-ins will be accepted, Kentucky Legal Aid encourages participants to call ahead and schedule an appointment.

Staff Attorney Sam Lowe says attorneys will review each person’s criminal history, determine whether they qualify for an expungement under Kentucky law, and help file the necessary petitions if they are eligible.

According to Lowe, most misdemeanor convictions and many Class D felonies may qualify for expungement after a five-year waiting period following the completion of a sentence. He says one of the biggest challenges people face is understanding when they become eligible.

People attending the clinic do not need to bring court records. Kentucky Legal Aid will be able to access criminal histories during appointments to review eligibility.

Lowe says the expungement process typically takes about six months if a judge approves the petition. While Kentucky Legal Aid primarily serves low-income clients, he encourages anyone who believes they may qualify to call and ask about the program.

“Call us and we’ll meet with you. And if it is expungeable, we’ll help you do it. That’s what I want everybody to know,” Lowe said.

The clinic is being offered through a partnership between Kentucky Legal Aid, Project Renew Kentucky, the Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission, Allen County Fiscal Court, and the Allen County Opioid Settlement Advisory Group. Similar clinics are held across Kentucky to help eligible residents navigate the expungement process and remove barriers to employment and housing. 

Those interested in attending are encouraged to contact Kentucky Legal Aid before the event to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins will be accepted as space allows.