Somerset Co. Man Talks Second Chance After Receiving Expungement

(PRINCESS ANNE, Md) – For a lot of people, second chances are very hard to come by.

For Cameron Cottingham, life has been more than difficult after being charged with domestic violence, charges he was ultimately found not guilty.

Cameron tells WMDT, “Just misdemeanor charges and stuff, little, you know, small things, and stuff. But. Yeah, but I was never convicted for anything, basically.”

The damage was already done.

Cameron says he spent the better part of two years struggling to live, only catching a break at the Princess Anne Library.

He says, “I mean because they knew me for real, man. They knew, you know, of course, didn’t ask questions, but this was just a place just to get out…Just to get out, the, to out of the heat, you know.”

But, thanks to help from Shore Legal Access and their criminal expungement program, they’ve helped people like Cameron get the process started to move beyond their courtroom troubles.

“Expungement is extremely important because it allows someone to move forward in their life. It allows them to get a better job to go to a different school. If they’re wanting different educational, opportunities,” says Shore Legal Access’ Emily Marshall.

And Cameron is well on his way to having his life back, by being gainfully employed.

He says, “I’m actually working at the, Venza nursing home in Snow Hill, Maryland. Was there for no more than six months. I was actually there for approximately a five months when I accumulated employee of the month…”

If you or someone you know is in need of help getting a charge expunged from their record, Shore Legal Access is holding a free legal clinic to get the process started on Wednesday, June 3rd.

You can sign up via the flyer below.