MONTICELLO, Ark. – The Delta Justice Center has announced an upcoming free legal clinic to be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Monticello Branch Library. This special event is part of Pro Bono Week 2024, and it aims to provide vital legal assistance to individuals seeking to have their criminal records sealed.
The clinic, hosted in collaboration with the Monticello Branch Library and the Drew County NAACP Branch 6042 Legal Redress Committee, is designed to help individuals in the Southeast Arkansas region clear their criminal histories, thus improving their opportunities for employment, housing, and education. Criminal records, even when charges have been dismissed, can follow a person for life and limit their access to basic resources, including job opportunities and housing. By sealing these records, individuals can enhance their chances of securing a better future.
For many people, sealing a criminal record represents a major step toward reentering society and establishing a stable life. Often, the lingering effects of a criminal history make it challenging to secure employment, education, and housing—barriers that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. This free clinic provides a much-needed opportunity for those who have paid their debts to society to access the tools and legal support needed to begin anew. The Delta Justice Center is committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to their community without being held back by their past.
To participate in the clinic, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements. Attendees must have completed their probation or parole, paid all fines, costs, and restitution, and provide a copy of their criminal history. Registration is required, and participants must register in advance through the online form provided by the Delta Justice Center.
The Monticello Branch Library, one of the key community partners in this initiative, is providing the space for the event, while the Drew County NAACP Branch 6042 Legal Redress Committee is offering their legal expertise. Their collaboration with the Delta Justice Center reflects a broader commitment to social justice in the region and highlights the importance of community support in helping individuals overcome barriers to success.
The clinic is also part of the broader Pro Bono Week, which celebrates the work of lawyers who volunteer their time to provide legal services to those who cannot afford them. It also seeks to raise awareness about the importance of access to justice and the positive impact that free legal services can have on communities. The Delta Justice Center encourages community members to take advantage of this clinic and use the legal tools available to improve their quality of life.
For individuals concerned about their eligibility, it’s important to note that a criminal record does not need to be sealed in order to register to vote after a felony sentence has been completed. This clarification helps reduce barriers to reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals, providing a path forward not only through record sealing but also by ensuring that they can exercise their voting rights.
Appointments for the clinic are expected to fill up quickly, and the Delta Justice Center strongly urges early registration. The clinic will include both free legal advice and document preparation, streamlining the process for participants and ensuring that they receive the help they need to navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system.
For more information on how to register for this important event, participants can visit the registration link provided by the Delta Justice Center or reach out directly to the organization for assistance. Don’t miss this opportunity to take control of your future and remove barriers that may be holding you back.
To learn more about the event, click here.
