GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids is offering a clean slate to residents through an expungement fair this weekend.
On Saturday, May 4, the community is welcomed to an event to learn more about and begin the process of expunging their criminal records. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Salvation Army Kroc Center at 2500 Division Avenue South in Grand Rapids.
Pre-registration is required. It's open now here. Those attending must use the Alger Street SE entrance for parking.
Last year, the event helped more than 600 people navigate the expungement process. This could help people get stable housing and find meaningful employment, Brandon Davis, director of oversight and public accountability for the city said.
“This expungement program is one of continuing restorative justice efforts that OPA has implemented to advance equity and justice in our criminal justice and public safety systems. This has had a positive impact on the lives of members of our community, and that is what this work is all about. From last year’s program alone, we filed over 200 Applications to Set Aside Conviction. It’s clear that we are doing life-changing work, and I am proud to do it," said Davis.
Davis said the event is a one-stop shop for those looking to have eligible convictions expunged. Officials will file the expungement applications, work with the courts to schedule hearings, obtain certified records of conviction and even attend hearings for emotional support.
Organizations that work with veterans, voting rights, food pantries, substance abuse treatment, housing and shelter will partner with Grand Rapids during the event.
Some second-chance/felon-friendly employers will also be onsite handing out job applications.
According to the Clean Slate legislation signed in 2020, you can have your record expunged if you're a first-time offender of Driving Under the Influence and Operating While Intoxicated convictions in which no one was injured. You're eligible to petition for expungement five years after probation ends.
The law also makes all misdemeanors for marijuana possession and usage eligible for expungement. This impacts and estimated 240,000 people, officials said.
You can have up to three felonies set aside in a lifetime and places a no-lifetime limit on misdemeanors. The waiting period is now reduced to three years for misdemeanors and permits applications for multiple felonies after seven years.
You are eligible for an expungement even if you have unpaid court-assigned fines and fees. Life offenses and certain felony criminal sexual conduct convictions are not eligible.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV and on your phone.
