{"id":7956,"date":"2026-01-06T16:39:34","date_gmt":"2026-01-06T16:39:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/gpstrianglenews.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/06\/day-of-service-record-expungement-fair-set-for-mlk-day\/"},"modified":"2026-01-06T16:39:34","modified_gmt":"2026-01-06T16:39:34","slug":"day-of-service-record-expungement-fair-set-for-mlk-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gpstrianglenews.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/06\/day-of-service-record-expungement-fair-set-for-mlk-day\/","title":{"rendered":"Day of Service Record Expungement Fair Set for MLK Day"},"content":{"rendered":"

The 11th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, in partnership with Brookland Baptist Church and several legal organizations, will host a Record Expungement Fair<\/strong> on Monday, January 19<\/strong>, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The free Day of Service event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.<\/strong> at Brookland Baptist Church’s Health & Wellness Center<\/strong>, located at 1046 Sunset Blvd. in West Columbia<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The fair is designed to help individuals whose criminal records may be affecting their ability to secure employment, housing, or public benefits. Volunteer attorneys and legal professionals will be on hand to explain which criminal offenses are eligible for expungement, conduct eligibility screenings, and assist with paperwork when appropriate.<\/p>\n

Participants will complete an intake form, after which personnel will run criminal history checks on-site. Those found eligible will meet with expungement coordinators from either the Fifth or Eleventh Circuit Solicitor’s Offices<\/strong> to begin the expungement application process. The Fifth Circuit includes Richland and Kershaw counties<\/strong>, while the Eleventh Circuit includes Lexington, Saluda, Edgefield, and McCormick counties<\/strong>. Individuals with eligible offenses from other counties will be provided with contact information for the appropriate offices.<\/p>\n

Volunteer attorneys will also be available to provide pardon counseling<\/strong> and one-on-one guidance on a variety of civil legal issues<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Solicitor Rick Hubbard<\/strong> said the event reflects a broader commitment to fairness within the justice system.<\/p>\n

“When the law allows a second chance, it is important that people know how to access it,” Hubbard said. “Our duty as prosecutors includes helping eligible individuals understand when record relief is available.”<\/p>\n

The event is open to the public<\/strong>, and while registration is encouraged, it is not required. Community members are encouraged to attend even if an arrest did not result in a conviction, as they may still be eligible to have records removed.<\/p>\n

Event Details:<\/strong><\/p>\n