THE GORGE — Free walk-in expungement clinics will continue serving residents in Hood River and The Dalles, offering help to those seeking to set aside eligible criminal records, according to a press release.
The clinics, staffed by retired attorneys and volunteers, have been running for more than two years and have assisted more than 220 people since June 2023. While most participants live in the Columbia Gorge, the program is open to anyone in Oregon.
Beginning Oct. 7, first Tuesday clinics will be held at the Hood River County Library, 502 State St., from 2-5 p.m. First Thursday clinics will remain at the Wasco County Library, 722 Court St. in The Dalles, during the same hours.
“The expungement process can make a big difference in people’s lives,” Wasco County resident Lynn-Marie Crider, a retired labor lawyer who oversees clinic operations, said in a press release. Criminal records — even those without convictions — can prevent individuals from obtaining jobs, occupational licenses, housing or even volunteering in their children’s schools.
Under Oregon law, many people with no recent convictions may be eligible to have their record set aside if they have completed their sentence, are not currently facing charges, and meet waiting periods ranging from one to seven years, depending on the offense. Certain crimes, including most sex and violent offenses, are not eligible.
“Clinic volunteers work with each participant individually because everyone’s situation is unique,” retired public defender William Howell, who volunteers at the clinic in The Dalles, said in a press release. Volunteers explain what can and cannot be expunged, help prepare paperwork and guide participants on filing documents with the court and district attorney.
The program is operated by the CLEAR Clinic, a Portland-based nonprofit that provides support and structure for the Gorge clinics. Visit Clear-Clinic.org for more information or how to get involved.
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