‘Clean Slate Day’ offers fresh start to some with criminal history

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Several Shawnee Co. residents were given a chance to expunge their convictions and criminal arrests on Thursday, if the crime qualifies.

The project called “Clean Slate Day” was held at the Stormont Vail Events Center’s Agricultural Hall from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 15. It was created by the Topeka Bar Association to allow others the chance to file a claim to determine if their convictions can be expunged, but it depends on the crime.

Any adult arrests, diversions, or convictions qualify for this project, but federal and municipal court cases do not apply.

Michelle Ewert, an associate professor of law with Washburn University, said that by expunging the allowed convictions, barriers that have since prevented others from accessing employment and housing would break down and improve their chance to access what they could not reach before.

“We know that having a criminal record causes problems in gaining employment and accessing housing, so folks here are coming to clear their records so they can take better care of themselves and their families, get better jobs, things like that,” said Ewert.

Anyone wanting to seek an expungement has been asked to fill out the necessary forms before they arrive at the Stormont Vail Events Center. Click HERE, to access the required forms.

Ewert also said that if anyone was struggling to fill out the necessary forms, an available law student or attorney at the event was able to help them.

According to Ewert, it costs over $100 to file a petition, however, some may qualify to have their fees waived.

“There has been a lot of demand for these services,” according to Ewert. “It costs $195 to file a petition, but many folks here are going to qualify fee waivers because of their low income.”

If you want to seek an expungement, you can use the Shawnee Co. District Court’s website to search for your case in Shawnee Co.

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