Pardon Project of York County, York County Bar Foundation, The Program, “It’s About Change,” and MidPenn Legal Services to Host Free Pardons and Expungement Clinic

To help remove barriers to employment and housing for York County residents, the Pardon Project of York County, York County Bar Foundation, The Program; “It’s About Change”, and MidPenn Legal Services invite the public to inquire about attending a free Pardons and Expungement Clinic.

The clinic will take place on Monday, October 24, 2022 from 5 pm - 7 pm at Voni Grimes Gym, 125 E College Ave, York, PA 17401. Registration is required—please email Janelle.Black@yorkbar.com or call 717.854.8755 x 204.To be eligible for the clinic: you must live in York County, only York County arrests or charges qualify, you must have no current criminal charges, you must not be serving probation or on parole, and for a pardon, all fines, fees, or restitutions must be paid in full or in repayment.

The newly formed Pardon Project of York County seeks to assist individuals with a Pennsylvania criminal record, who have completely served their sentence (including probation and parole) and are seeking a pardon of their crime(s).  A pardon is a powerful tool for people who deserve a second chance. In Pennsylvania, the pardon process is free and more accessible than ever before. Major benefits of expunging or sealing a criminal record include:

• Employment: over 80% of employers conduct a criminal background search on their employee candidates. A criminal record will always hinder your job prospects.  Those having trouble getting a job need their record expunged so that they can truthfully say that they have never been convicted of a crime.  
• Finding an apartment: landlords routinely do background searches on their potential lessees. If a background check reveals a conviction or arrest etc, a person’s chances of securing that place to in not likely.  Landlords will be more apt to see this as a risk and may charge a higher rent, require a bigger deposit or unfortunately not even rent to the individual.
• Peace of mind: knowing that a conviction is no longer on your record is a very satisfying relief for many.