CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. () – A criminal record can be a major barrier for many people looking to move forward. Today a special clinic in Chatham County gives people a second chance at a fresh start.

This expungement clinic offers a great opportunity for anyone ready to move past their mistakes. Under Georgia’s 2020 “Second Chance law,” over 1.5 million people are eligible to have their records sealed potentially changing lives.

Later Friday morning the Chatham County District Attorney’s Office will host a free expungement clinic. The clinic offers eligible residents the chance to remove minor offenses like traffic violations and nonviolent misdemeanors from their criminal records.

While serious crimes like felonies and domestic violence are not eligible, Georgia’s “Second chance law” gives many a chance to clear their records.

“I want to assure all citizens and the public that the things that we expect to stay on people’s criminal history is that of felony convictions, all convictions having to do with domestic violence, sexual assaults, child molestation and those things can absolutely not be expunged,” shared Shalena Cook Jones, the District Attorney of Chatham County.

The event is held in partnership with local organizations like Devetter Lawfirm, Georgia Legal Services, and Goodwill.

“It’s important to note that it’s one out of every three Americans has some kind of criminal history on their record.  And it’s likely much more than that. A lot of people don’t know. So, while it’s important for us to do this in the community because the Georgia lawmakers have recently changed the expungement or record restriction statute to include misdemeanor offenses…. So now those folks who have had misdemeanor effects offenses on their record can now come in and get that restricted,” said District Attorney, Cook Jones.

The event will be at Live Oak Library’s Southwest Branch from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It also helps remove arrest records and booking photos – especially for minor offenses like traffic violations.

A criminal record, even for minor offenses, can limit job and education opportunities, but this clinic provides a chance for a fresh start.

“We know because the studies show that any criminal history, especially in this market, create great obstacles to not just employment, but housing, military enrollment, higher education and other social benefits that, you know, we that all really translate into greater access, influence and opportunity,” explained District Attorney Cook Jones.

In Georgia, nearly 4.6 million people have a criminal record – almost 40% of adults. Although for many individuals, this clinic can help clean that slate, all you have to do is stop by.

This free clinic is open to all eligible Chatham County residents on a first-come, first-served basis.