Present Pillars in Benton Harbor is planning an Expungement Resource Fair for next month.

Present Pillars Director James Gunter tells us the group is helping those with certain non-violent criminal offenses on their records get those cleared. He says a lot of Southwest Michigan residents take advantage of the opportunity when it’s presented.

“Recently, Michigan passed the Clean Slate Act, which expanded what was expungable in Michigan,” Gunter said. “So as a result of that, there was an organization, the Black and Brown Cannabis Guild, that held an event here last year. We were able to partner with them and serve over 300 people.”

Gunter says another expungement fair was held in June and about 40 people were served.

The next fair will be October 12 from noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center. They’ll have resources on site to get someone started in the expungement process.

“We have partnered with the Michigan Department of Attorney General, Safe and Just Michigan, Legal Aid of Western Michigan, Lake Michigan College, and the Berrien Community Foundation.”

Gunter says a person whose offense is expungable could leave the fair with all the paperwork they’ll need. He tells us a lot of people find old criminal convictions to be a barrier to housing and employment, even if they’re from decades ago. Plus, Gunter says a lot of people who once were convicted of a crime but then turned their lives around just want a clean slate for emotional reasons.

Those who attend the fair are asked to register in advance. You can do so via the Present Pillars Facebook page.

Learn more about expungement below: