Expungement clinic in Sharpsburg aimed at helping nonviolent offenders clear record

People with a nonviolent criminal record can seek an expungement during a free clinic at Sharpsburg Community Library.

In partnership with Cresco Labs, the event will provide free on-the-spot legal advice.

It is scheduled from 3 to 6 p.m. on Aug. 19 at the library along Main Street.

“A nonviolent offense in a person’s past should not prohibit them from employment, but too often we hear from justice-affected patrons that they are prevented from finding meaningful employment for exactly that reason,” said library Manager Sara Mariacher.

The clinic seeks to help people begin the process of sealing records and opening doors for opportunity, she said.

Cresco Labs organized the event through its Social Equity & Education Development (SEED) Project, which focuses on three pillars of restorative justice, community business incubation and education and workforce development.

The legal clinic is free, and no RSVP is required.

Cresco Community Outreach Coordinator Theresa Nightingale said that the group has financially supported and assisted in the process of more than 1,000 people seeking expungement or pardons.

She said attorneys will be on hand to offer legal advice and assistance.