The Lawton Public Library will present a class on how to expunge criminal records from 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the library.
People who have a misdemeanor or non-violent felony conviction that is at least 10 years old are generally eligible for expungement, according to a news release from the library. As these convictions can be a barrier to getting and keeping meaningful employment, having these records erased can be life altering.
Attorney Michael Wilson with Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma will present information on how to expunge criminal records during the class.
Expungement can pave the way forward in both personal and professional lives, according to the news release. The class offers an opportunity to learn the steps to expungement.
Anyone can attend the training, and further resources are available to those who qualify. Legal Aid Services provides free legal services to eligible low-income people and senior citizens.
“Expungements have a huge impact on personal lives,” Library Director Kristin Herr said in the news release.. “Completing this process can open doors to career opportunities. In addition, it benefits our community as a whole. It creates more qualified workers which brings more money into our economy.”
For more information, contact Tanya Organ, community engagement librarian, at 580-581-3450 ext. 1711, or by email at tanya.organ@lawtonok.gov.