Free Expungement Event Scheduled On MLK Day At Camden County College

CAMDEN, NJ — A criminal record can be a hurdle for people seeking a job or a new place to live. Camden County commissioners are hosting a free event on Martin Luther King Jr. Day for people wanting to expunge their record.

A court-ordered expungement can remove information about arrests, criminal or juvenile convictions, or case outcomes from court and public record. At this event, held at Camden County College, people can meet with an attorney (free of charge) to discuss getting their record expunged.

Camden County College, the Volunteer UP legal clinic, and ARCHER Attorneys at Law are partnering with commissioners for this event. It takes place at the college's Camden campus on Monday, Jan. 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Those interested may schedule an appointment by calling 856-217-8686. Attorney time is limited.

“Countless people have been disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system and the mistakes of the past are holding them back from making progress,” said Commissioner Jon Young. “And for many people, hiring an attorney to sort out legal issues is cost prohibitive. This event eliminates the issue of cost to provide direct legal support for residents as well as removes barrier to allow for successful futures.”

Volunteer UP Legal Clinic is also hosting a virtual clinic about e-filing for expungement on Tuesday, Jan. 10 from 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Commissioners are also looking for attorneys to volunteer at the event between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Jan. 16.

Camden County College president Dr. Lovell Pugh-Bassett said the college is proud to offer the clinic.

“Our institution of higher learning seeks to serve our community by removing barriers, whether they are barriers to education, or barriers to gainful employment and benefits that can be eliminated by the expungement process,” Pugh-Bassett said.

For more information on expungement through the New Jersey Court system, click here.