LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Individuals facing barriers because of criminal or housing records will have an opportunity to seek legal assistance during a free criminal record sealing clinic in Lima next month.
Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, commonly known as ABLE, will host the clinic on Friday, June 19, in partnership with OhioMeansJobs Allen County, LACNIP and Court Watch Lima.
The clinic will help qualifying individuals determine whether their criminal or housing records may be eligible for expungement or sealing. Officials said offenses involving sexually oriented crimes or murder are not eligible.
ABLE is a nonprofit organization made up of attorneys who volunteer their time to help individuals remove barriers that may prevent them from securing housing, employment and other opportunities.
“They are going to be helping us free of charge, with expungements, housing expungements and criminal expungements,” said Amber Basares. “They're going to be helping with Social Security. They're going to talk about IEPs. They talk about fair housing and eviction processes, all the legal guidance that we need that we're not getting here locally.”
The clinic will take place at the LACNIP office from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, June 19. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged and those who register in advance will receive priority assistance. Walk-ins will be accepted as space allows until 11:30 a.m., but service is not guaranteed.
