For Immediate Release: Monday, June 17, 2019
From the Office of Councilmember Tom Hucker
Marylanders who have been charged with less-serious offenses
can connect with legal professionals to navigate complex process
ROCKVILLE, Md., June 14, 2019—Under a 2016 state law, tens of thousands of Marylanders who have been charged with less-serious crimes — such as littering, possessing drug paraphernalia or disturbing the peace — may be eligible to have their criminal records expunged.
These records, which can easily be found online in some states, including Maryland, can result in discrimination by employers, landlords and financial institutions, and can stand in the way of obtaining basic needs like housing, employment, social services and health care, Councilmember Tom Hucker says.
That discrimination and those obstacles, in turn, can lead to higher recidivism rates.
But these people cannot currently have their records expunged — even if their cases ended with a favorable disposition, such as a not-guilty finding — without the assistance of lawyers, paralegals or law students helping them navigate the complex process.
That is why Hucker is holding the Clean Slate Clinic on Monday, June 17, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Silver Spring Civic Building, 1 Veterans Place. At this clinic, Marylanders seeking expungement of their records can connect with legal professionals who will assist them. Maryland Legal Aid is co-sponsoring the clinic.
“An old criminal record for littering — even if the person was cleared of any wrongdoing — should not keep someone from getting a job or home,” Hucker said. “Studies show that in states with an open records law — such as Maryland — people with a record are less likely to be employed and have an 11 percent higher recidivism rate than in other states.”
“The people who stand to benefit most from having their record expunged are often not the same people who can readily access legal aid and resources,” said Sarah Wolf of Councilmember Hucker’s staff, who is helping organize the event. “This clinic bridges that gap.”
Hucker is seeking legal professionals, such as lawyers and paralegals, and law students to volunteer for the clinic. They can register at http://bit.ly/2V85nlu.
The Clean Slate Clinic also needs other volunteers, including translators for participants who do not speak English, plus anyone who wants to help with advance logistics or on-site operations on June 17. These volunteers can also register at http://bit.ly/2V85nlu.
Participants seeking legal assistance, meanwhile, can register at http://bit.ly/2DlQrps.
More information on expungement is on The People’s Law Library of Maryland site, http://bit.ly/2IrnxZn, and at http://bit.ly/2L2OLrB.
“Expunging a record can make a huge difference in someone’s life,” Hucker said. “That is why I urge volunteers who can help, and those seeking help, to sign up for the clinic.”
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Release ID: 19-210