West Tennessee Legal Services is partnering with the Tennessee Governor’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative, and the TN Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission, to host a free expungement clinic on April 19, 2024, in Jackson to celebrate Second Chance Month and Help4TNMonth.
This clinic will allow qualifying individuals to have their criminal record erased. People may be eligible for expungement in Tennessee if they had charges against them dismissed, a “no true bill” was returned by a grand jury, they were arrested and released without being charged, they went to trial, which resulted in a not guilty verdict, or the case resulted in a nolle prosequi (prosecution will not be pursued). Additionally, some misdemeanor and felony convictions may be eligible for an expungement.
“Many times, people make mistakes in their lives that stay on their record forever, we want to help people who are eligible for an expungement get these charges erased from their record,” said Andy Cole, Pro Bono Coordinator at WTLS. “This is a great opportunity for people to be able to move on from their past.”
Tennessee has recently made updates to its expungement laws, so people who have not been eligible in the past, might now be eligible for expungements.
“Help4TNMonth is an annual celebration held each April to bring public awareness to the need for free and reduced fee legal services and spotlight organizations that provide these services,” said John Farringer, Chair of the TN Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission. “This year, expungement and re-entry work is one focus for Help4TNMonth. The Commission is excited to support this much-needed expungement clinic.” More information on Help4TNMonth is available here.
This clinic is only for people who have charges in Madison County General Sessions or Circuit Courts. Pre-registration is required. Registration is open and ends April 5, 2024. The TN Justice Bus will on-site to support this event. Anyone interested in registering for the clinic can call WTLS at 731-423-0616 or visit wtls.org to complete an online application.
About West Tennessee Legal Services
West Tennessee Legal Services, a nonprofit law firm, offers free civil legal representation and educational programs to help people in 17 West Tennessee counties receive justice, protect well-being, and support opportunities to overcome poverty. Counties served from offices in Jackson, Dyersburg, Huntingdon, and Selmer are Benton, Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Decatur, Dyer, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Madison, McNairy, Obion, and Weakley. WTLS is funded in part by the Legal Services Corporation and state, federal, and local funding, including United Way in Dyer, McNairy, and Weakley counties. Learn more at www.wtls.org or by following the firm on Facebook.