The Tennessee Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission is partnering with West Tennessee Legal Services and the Tennessee Governor’s Faith Based and Community Initiative to host a free expungement clinic on April 19, 2024, in Jackson to celebrate Help4TNMonth. This clinic is only for people who have charges in Madison County General Sessions or Circuit Courts.
“Help4TNMonth is 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, the Commission is particularly focused on expungement and re-entry work and is excited to support this much-needed clinic.”
This clinic will allow qualifying individuals to have their criminal record erased 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)
Tennessee has updated its expungement laws, so people who have not been eligible in the past might now be eligible.
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.”
Expungement Clinic Registration:
- Registration is required by April 5.
- Call WTLS at 731-423-0616 or visit wtls.org for an online application.
- Participation is limited to the first 50 registrants.
- Open to those with charges in Madison County General Sessions or Circuit Courts only
More information on Help4TNMonth is available here.
About the Access to Justice Commission
The Tennessee Supreme Court announced its access to justice initiative in 2008. The Court saw the growing and urgent civil legal needs in our State, including that Tennesseans were facing more legal problems caused by unemployment, predatory loans, uninsured medical bills, domestic violence, evictions and foreclosures. The Court created the Access to Justice Commission to steer the initiative. The Commission provides collaborative leadership to create solutions and resources that address and eliminate barriers to justice for all. The initiative is housed at the Administrative Office of the Courts.
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.