Delawareans get a second chance at expungement fair
GEORGETOWN, Del. – Those looking for a second chance got one today at an expungement clinic in Georgetown.
At the First State Community Action Agency, Delawareans are exploring their options to get their records cleared. “I’m just going through the process to get a better life, get a better job, and stuff like that. I can’t complain about like, you know, everything, but it’s just time for me to for a different change in life,” said Demetriche Hopkins.
For attendee Demetriche Hopkins Monday’s expungement clinic was a success. The Office of Defense Services provides resources to put a second chance within reach. “We are helping individuals determine if they’re eligible for second chances. And so that may be an expungement, it may be a pardon first and then an expungement or it may be that they just have to wait a while because their cases are recent on their record. So we have attorneys from our office, which is the Office of Defense Services, who will sit down with the individuals and explain to them, because of what their eligibility is and really then what the steps are,” said Lisa Minutola, Chief of Legal Services at the Office of Defense Services.
It’s an opportunity for a fresh start. Doing this process alone, Lisa Minutola of the ODS says could cost thousands of dollars. Without resources like these, those with a record can’t access basic life necessities. “Collateral consequences, meaning that an individual may be barred from employment, education, housing, and all types of things you need to live a successful life may be a barrier there because you have this record,” said Minutola.
Hopkins says this may be the first step but he’s headed in the right direction for a better life. “Establish a lot of different new things. That’s what I want. So that’s my goal, you know, my family. Just to do – the main goal of all is my family. You know, I want better things for them,” said Hopkins.
Clean Slate legislation will pass this August which allows for automatic expungement of less serious offenses.
Resources were also available for youth. Children can be charged for low-level offenses and like adults, this also can hinder them from securing housing or a job.
Lisa Minutola says when they run into trouble they could think they’re not impacted however, that is not the case. “And it does not get sealed at age 18. Many people think that that’s what happens. And so they also need to expunge their record. So the expansion we’ve done in Delaware, I think really is going to help thousands of people achieve a second chance,” said Minutola.
With the expungement fair under Senator Darius Brown’s leadership, he’s seen hundreds of people replace barriers and improve their lives.
To learn more about the Expungement Reform Act, click here.
