By: Richard L. Smith
Morris County residents who may be eligible to clear certain offenses from their criminal records will have an opportunity to receive free legal assistance during an upcoming expungement clinic in Morristown.
According to a statement released by Morris County authorities, the county’s second Free Expungement Clinic will be held Thursday, September 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, located at 10 Martin Luther King Avenue.
No appointment is required.
Attendees will have an opportunity to meet with an attorney to determine whether certain non-violent convictions may qualify for expungement.
The legal assistance will be provided at no cost.
Officials said individuals interested in discussing an expungement should bring any records or information they have concerning the case they want reviewed.
If those documents are unavailable, information may also be retrieved electronically during the clinic.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll said the program is intended to assist people who have moved forward with their lives after involvement with the criminal justice system and want to learn whether expungement could help remove barriers to future opportunities.
The event is being held through a collaboration involving the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Public Defender’s Office, Morris County Bar Association, Morris County Bar Foundation, Morris County Sheriff’s Office and volunteer attorneys. Calvary Baptist Church is hosting the clinic with support from Pastor Rev. Jerry M. Carter Jr., Ph.D.
Organizers said clearing an eligible record can potentially help individuals seeking employment, housing, education and other opportunities.
In addition to legal assistance, representatives from the Morris County Sheriff’s Office will be available with information about free Narcan, substance-use and mental-health services, social-service benefits, re-entry assistance and voter registration.
Walk-ins are welcome during the four-hour clinic.