Two free workshops designed to help low income people clear their low level felony records will be held in Meridian soon.

    The seminars will be Saturday, from 10 a.m.-noon, and Feb. 6, from 11 a.m.-2  p.m., at the EMEPA auditorium at 2128 Highway 39 North.  

    Former Hinds County District Attorney Faye Peterson, now in private law practice, will outline charges that qualify for expungement and the process that applicants must follow. Volunteer attorneys will screen participants to determine if their charges qualify for expungement.

    The workshops are intended to assist people with low-level non-violent convictions, according to a press release. State law limits the charges that can be considered for expungement.  

    The types of convictions include shoplifting, larceny, false pretense, bad checks or possession of a controlled substance, according to attorney Dustin Markham, who organized the clinics.

    “There is a desperate need to provide assistance to our citizens in Meridian,” Markham said.  “There are a lot of people here who have felony convictions. It has been something that has consistently held them back from seeking better job opportunities and seeking to provide for their families. This is one of the remedies we can do to assist these individuals in preparing themselves for a better tomorrow as well as improving the numbers in our work force.”

    Those who meet financial guidelines for assistance and whose charges qualify for expungement will be given an appointment to attend the Feb. 6 clinic. On that date, volunteer attorneys will be available by appointment, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the EMEPA Auditorium.  

    Those seeking legal assistance at the Feb. 6 clinic must first attend the Jan. 9 workshop and be pre-screened. Volunteer attorneys participating in the clinic will have a continuing legal education class Feb. 6, from 10-11 a.m.

     Volunteer attorneys will assist applicants in preparing documents, and may explain the proceedings, provide general information and answer questions.

    Markham said the help is provided free of charge, but participants will be responsible for court filing fees if their cases are eligible for expungement.  

    The attorneys are not obligated to accompany clinic participants to court and file documents for them. The expectation is that individuals will be able to represent themselves in court.

    The workshops are a partnership among Markham, the Mississippi Access to Justice Commission, the Lauderdale County Bar Association and the Mississippi Association for Justice.