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3 things to know about getting criminal records cleared
This Saturday, Asbury Park Community Action Network will host a forum on expungement , as part of its efforts to help people with criminal records re-enter society.
The expungement forums are done in conjunction with Kristie Howard, director of student services for the Asbury Park School District.
"We’re trying to help as many people as we possibly can to get their records expunged for the things that can be expunged as a pro-bono service," said the Rev. Derinzer Johnson, pastor of St. Stephen's Church. Johnson is a co-founder of Asbury Park CAN.
"We want to help persons to get things off their record so they can have a fresh start," Johnson said. "It’s really a hindrance not only to that individual --but it’s a hindrance to family life. The family and children suffer because a person has something on their record. It affects their ability to get jobs. They may be terminated because its shows up on their report a little later," he said.
"This will help them get a second chance."
Here are three things to know about Saturday's forum:
1. It will be held at St. Stephen's Church at 11 a.m.
The church is located at 1001 Springwood Avenue in Asbury Park. The sessions have been held monthly since February.
2. Kristie Howard, an attorney and director of student services at Asbury Park Schools will be on hand to answer questions
Howard said she does the work to help students who may be impacted by their parents limitations because of prior convictions. Howard said that state law makes it difficult for people to obtain expungements because only 1 felony and two misdemeanor charges can be cleared. Anyone with a record that includes more than that is not eligible for an expungement.
3. The session is free and open to the public.
There is no charge for attending the forums. People interested in an expungement will get an overview of how the process works and also will receive assistance in the process.
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