Clinic helps offenders clear their records

A pro bono expungement and pardon clinic helped guide almost 30 people through the steps to clear their criminal records.

The clinic was held by the South Carolina Bar Pro Bono Program on March 11 at the Littlejohn Community Center in Clemson, a news release from the South Carolina Bar says.

Also participating were Time Served, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting people with prior criminal system involvement; South Carolina Legal Services, the state’s only statewide legal services organization; the Young Lawyers Division of the South Carolina Bar; Judge Gary Clary; and Mayor Robert Halfacre. The release also singled out bar members Genie Heslin, Cherie Barton and Dalton Barfield for their efforts.

“Thanks to these combined efforts, 28 individuals received personalized guidance on next steps to clear their records,” the release says. “Removing these convictions can open doors to employment, stable housing, and a fresh start in life — opportunities that are often out of reach for those with a criminal record.”