FORT WAYNE – Learn how you may be able to clear your criminal record with assistance from local Criminal Defense Attorneys and Volunteer Expungement Specialists.

Second Chance Expungement Initiative, located in St. Mary’s Church, 1111 S. Lafayette St., Fort Wayne, will hold free assistance in obtaining criminal history expungement. There will be two opportunities, 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, and 2-13 p.m. Friday, June 24.

In 2013, the Indiana General Assembly passed legislation allowing a ONE-TIME opportunity for certain qualified felony convictions, misdemeanors, and arrest records to be expunged from criminal records.

This is a ONE-TIME expungement opportunity and citizens are strongly cautioned not to file without legal assistance. Indiana’s criminal records law is complicated and this program provides legal assistance to citizens seeking to file expungements.

A criminal history record limits opportunity in housing, education, credit, and career. The primary goal of the program is to help community members and veterans with criminal offences gain access to employment, housing, healthcare, and education. The Veterans Administration reports that a criminal history record is the chief cause of veteran homelessness.  According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics Strategic Plan 2005-2008, 1-in-4 Americans has a criminal history record. And, The National Employment Law Project reports that more than 90 percent of companies reported using criminal background checks for their hiring decisions.

To learn more about the Second Chance Expungement program, residents may pick up a flyer at Allen County Public Library branches, Volunteer Center RSVP or many other social service organizations. Residents can also dial 2-1-1 and ask for information from a trained specialist.

Indiana Legal Services, IVY Tech Community College NE Indiana, Volunteer Center, Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinics, and Volunteer Lawyers Program are active partners of the project.

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Gretchen Neuhaus
Training & Site Coordinator
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3401 Lake Avenue w Suite 4
Fort Wayne, IN  46805
Phone:     (260) 424-3505
Fax:           (260) 424-3512
Email:        [email protected]
Website:  www.volunteerfortwayne.org