People in the Illinois Quad Cities area can get help clearing their criminal records. Prairie State Legal Services and the Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) 14th Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committe are sponsoring an Expungement Clinic this spring. Spokesman, Kevin Hempy, says the legal system can be complex and intimidating, with a lot of "hoops to jump through." Hempy1 :23 ...barriers. The Expungement Clinic is not a group meeting. Hempy says individual appointments will be made for people who meet income guidelines. For now, they'll be on the phone. Hempy2 :11 ...paralegals. People who have criminal records have the most difficulty with housing and jobs, making it difficult to chart a new course in life. Even if someone doesn't qualify to receive free legal help through this initiative, Hempy says they should still call to learn about where to find other assistance and resources. Those who meet low income guidelines are eligible to participate in the Expungement Clinic. It includes Rock Island, Henry, Mercer, Whiteside, and Lee counties in Illinois. The number to call is 309.283.3744, or sign up online at "Tiny URL dot com slash Expunge 2021" Other sponsors include Deere and Company, and Lane and Waterman. Prarie State Legal Services is located in Rock Island and could always use more volunteers. And on March 3rd at 5:30 pm, the Rock Island Public Library will host a virtual Zoom meeting about the Expungement Clinic with Attorney Kevin Hempy. (For those unable to attend, a recording will be made available on YouTube after the event.)
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