Pardon project of york county to host free expungement and pardon clinic on july 12, 2023

The York County Pardon Project is hosting a free expungement and pardon clinic on Wednesday, July 12, 2022, from 5-7 pm at the First Presbyterian Church, 225 E. Market Street, York. Lawyers will be on site at this free clinic to answer questions and discuss if an expungement, sealing of the record or a pardon is an option.

Registration is required. Contact Janelle.Black@yorkbar.com or call (717) 854-8755 x 204 to register. Eligibility requirements are as follows: 1) Arrests/charges in York County only. 2) Must reside in York County. 3) No current criminal charges. 4) Not currently on probation or parole. 5) All applicants must be prepared to discuss any outstanding costs, fines, and restitution.

The Pardon Project is a statewide initiative spearheaded by the Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity (PLSE). Director Tobey Oxholm, Esq., has been instrumental in organizing many local pardon projects including that of York County. According to Oxholm, “Pardons are an amazing opportunity that almost no one knows about. A pardon from the Governor is the only way to get a conviction off your record, and today in Pennsylvania, more than two-thirds of the people applying are actually receiving a pardon. The Pardon Project is about neighbors helping neighbors apply. Pardon projects are community-based efforts that connect individuals whose criminal records are preventing them from securing employment, safe and affordable housing, and other opportunities, with people, pardon coaches, who have been trained in how to help.” See more at www.PardonMePA.org.

The York County Pardon Project was launched, and the first clinic was held in the fall of 2022. Partners include The Program, It’s About Change, the York County District Attorney’s Office, York County Clerk of Courts, York County Bar Association and York County Bar Foundation, MidPenn Legal Services, and others.

Led by Pardon Fellow DaShawn Harrison of The Program, It’s About Change with support from the York County Bar, to date 30 pardon coaches have been trained and 60 individuals have sought assistance. 28 have qualified and 16 have been successfully placed with a pardon coach. The remaining individuals were provided with other resources such as a referral, are working with another pardon project, have opted out or were ineligible.  DaShawn noted, “Doing this work means a lot to me personally. I had 5 felonies and served 8 years and 7 months in state prison for drug-related crimes. Since I have been out, my life has been affected in every way possible by having a criminal record. Today, I am a father of four and active in helping youth in our community and have also served as a credible messenger in preventing gun violence. I am proud to be able to help others in this way having been in their shoes.”

For more information about the York County Pardon Project visit https://theprogramitsaboutchange.org/pardons