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New ‘Clean Slate’ law — expungement for certain felonies — now in effect; free workshops available


A new law went into effect July 15 that allows certain Class D felony convictions to be vacated and charges dismissed, opening the opportunity for a ‘clean slate’ for thousands of Kentuckians.

“This legislation will help people who have done their time, completed their sentences and lived law-abiding lives for many years,” Administrative Office of the Courts General Counsel Marc A. Theriault said. “It will affect tens of thousands of Kentuckians and we’re expecting a huge volume of petitioners based on the calls we’ve received and the interest shown so far.”

clean slate
Convictions that can be expunged include drug possession, criminal mischief, receiving stolen property and flagrant nonsupport.

Extremely serious felonies, such as sex crimes, public corruption, drug trafficking and human trafficking, are not eligible for expungement.

Learn about expungement and the qualifications for free legal services at one of four workshops to be presented around the state, hosted by the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Department of Public Advocacy, Clean Slate Kentucky, AppalReD Legal Aid and Legal Aid of the Bluegrass.

A session will be held in Covington on Wednesday, July 27, at 6 p.m. at the Kentucky Career Center, 1324 Madison Avenue.

House Bill 40 which was passed in the last session of the General Assembly creates a process that permits a defendant to file an application to have a conviction vacated or expunged.

If the court grants the application, the original judgment will be vacated and the charges dismissed. Records in the custody of any other agency or official, including law enforcement records, will be expunged.

This opens the door for voting privileges and more job opportunities.

See Clean Slate Kentucky for details, and take advantage of one of the workshops listed below.

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2 Comments

  1. I wish we could have that in Michigan I have a felony from 1985

  2. Francis Dale Anderson says:

    Need help on this

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