Miami Dade County Residents offered “Second Chance” with criminal record sealing and expungement program
MIAMI – Miami-Dade County Commissioner Joe A. Martinez is joining State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle to host the “Second Chance – One Stop” Sealing and Expungement Program on Thursday, September 23, 2010 at the University Lakes Mobile Homes Clubhouse, 12850 SW 14 Street. Anyone charged with a crime in Miami-Dade Coun
ty in which the case did not result in a conviction may be eligible to have a single record sealed or expunged. Only cases that occurred in Miami-Dade County at State level will be reviewed.
Participants can show up to the event between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. and must bring a valid photo ID in order to receive assistance. For those who qualify, the State Attorney’s Office will process an application for submission to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Those who do not qualify for sealing or expungement can still receive help from the ACLU of Florida and the Homeless/Formerly Homeless Forum, Inc., which can assist with restoring civil rights.
“Having a criminal record, even with no conviction, can jeopardize someone’s ability to obtain employment, vote, or affect other rights and privileges,” said Commissioner Martinez. “This event will help those who have not been convicted of a crime receive a second chance to potentially clear their name and lead productive lives.”
Space during the event is limited and doors will be closed at exactly 7 p.m. Applicants can avoid waiting in long lines by pre-registering at the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s website at www.miamisao.com. Residents can also fax a clear copy of their photo ID to 305-547-0273, to the attention of Ulises Martinez, Community Outreach Division.
In addition to the State Attorney’s Office and Commissioner Martinez’s office, other participating agencies include the Miami-Dade Circuit and County Courts, the South Florida Workforce, and the Homeless/Formerly Homeless Forum, Inc. For more information, please contact the State Attorney’s Office at 305-547-0724.
