Summit Legal Aid holding ‘clean slate’ legal clinic
Summit Legal Aid is holding a “Free Clean Slate Legal Clinic” next week in partnership with the Washington County Bar Association, county Department of Human Service and state Sen. Camera Bartolotta.
The clinic, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 24 on the second floor of the Landmark Building at 75 E. Maiden St. in Washington, will have volunteer attorneys and Summit Legal Aid staff providing free consultations to individuals seeking guidance for clearing their past criminal records through expungements, pardons or record sealing.
Attorneys also will be available to provide free, personalized legal help for people trying to navigate PennDOT driver’s license restoration requirements, appeals, probationary licenses, occupational limited licenses and ignition interlock licenses.
This clinic is part of a broader effort to remove legal barriers that prevent many people from pursuing opportunities that can enable them to fully participate in their communities.
“Too many people remain held back by past mistakes long after they’ve paid their debt,” Summit Legal Aid Executive Director Brian Gorman said in a written statement. “A clean record can be the difference between getting a job offer or being turned away, securing safe housing, or pursuing higher education.”
For many people, access to a valid driver’s license is equally critical since reliable transportation can be essential for maintaining employment, attending medical appointments, and supporting a family. By restoring a person’s driver’s license through this clinic, Summit Legal Aid can help people regain stability and their independence. Clearing a person’s record can also open doors to new employment opportunities, professional licensing and housing options, while restoring driving privileges can mean the difference between unemployment and a steady paycheck.
Walk-ins will be welcome at this event, but pre-registration to meet with an attorney is strongly encouraged. To register, visit http://www.summitlegal.org/events/clean-slate-clinic or call 724-225-6170 to speak with Summit Legal Aid’s intake team.