Free expungement clinic planned in Vicksburg on Sept. 22

The Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project and Vicksburg Municipal Court will host a free expungement clinic Tuesday, Sept. 22, beginning at 10 a.m. at Vicksburg Municipal Court, 820 Veto St., in Vicksburg.

The clinic will assist eligible low- to moderate-income residents with expungement matters. Licensed Mississippi attorneys will prepare court documents and provide legal advice. Municipal Court Judge Angela Carpenter will review qualifying petitions in court.

The partnership has helped nearly 200 Warren County residents receive expungements, according to the announcement. Carpenter said, "An old mistake should not have to follow someone for the rest of their life when the law provides an opportunity for a fresh start".

Eligibility is limited to people whose income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Participants are strongly encouraged to register in advance at www.mvlp.org/clinics and must be screened by MVLP.

People seeking expungement must obtain and bring the proper records for their cases. Possible documents include an abstract for municipal or justice court matters, a sentencing order for circuit court matters, an indictment, an executed capias, an executed bench warrant or a discharge document. Participants cannot receive expungement services if the required documents are not obtained before the clinic.

Information and assistance also will be available on foreclosure prevention and other consumer protection issues. The clinics are self-representation clinics: Volunteer attorneys provide legal assistance and documents but do not accompany participants to court.

Source: Vicksburg Police Department on Facebook.