There can be several barriers for an individual to have their records expunged, and rarely is the opportunity available for many to have their records expunged in one sitting. On Saturday in Dumfries, those doors were opened with the highly anticipated Expungement Clinic.

Prior to the clinic, there was an information session held last week providing attendees with the necessary details to prepare for the event. It gave clarification on which records could be expunged and how to go about the process.

“There were so many people here before we opened the doors this morning,” said Prince William County Circuit Clerk Jacqueline Smith, who worked with several applicants on their records during the event. “It just speaks that this is a much-needed service in the community, and I’m so happy to be a part of it.”

Councilwoman Selonia Miles of Dumfries, who along with Vice Mayor Monae Nickerson came up with the concept of the clinic, stated that there were people waiting to come into the Dumfries Fire Station at 7:00am this morning, even though the event didn’t start until 9am. “Everything has been running smoothly. We’ve processed several applications and people are walking out of here encouraged.”

Miles also spoke on the collaborative efforts of the elected officials and volunteers who came out to help. “It speaks to how we come together as a community, how we meet a need, and everyone is willing to jump in. People see what an amazing opportunity that this clinic is, and they want to be a part of it.”

Nickerson concurred with Miles in her elation of the clinic’s success. “It was something I saw, and I said to her, ‘Let’s do this,” said Nickerson. “She was on board immediately, and we pulled this off together. I’m thankful that the Commonwealth Attorney’s office agreed with the need and the benefit, so they got on board without hesitation.”

She also thanked the Dumfries Police Department for sharing their time to be a part of the event as well. “This has been a true labor of love for the community. It’s amazing that we could bring everyone together like this.”

“It was a lot of work putting this together, especially behind the scenes,” she continued, “but it’s worth it to see the smiles on everyone’s faces when they leave. Even for the ones who may not have been able to have their records expunged, we’re going to make sure that they are not defeated but empowered.”

Commonwealth Attorney Amy Ashworth spoke on the importance of being in attendance at the event. “It has been fantastic to be here. I got to speak to a lot of people as they were coming into the door and helping someone clean up their record is the right thing to do and I’m glad to be a part of it.”

“What this clinic does it to help people clear their records, when they weren’t convicted of a crime, and it’s the good side of criminal and it’s an important thing to do, and I would love to see this become a regular thing in the community,” said Ashworth.

“The beauty of this event is that it takes all the steps for the customer out,” said Smith, “so they can walk in, then the Dumfries police takes a look at the records, and then the volunteer attorney lets you know what records can be expunged, then the Commonwealth Attorney lets you know what can be done, so it makes it easier.”

“It should be easy, because there’s a general misconception that expungement is for people who have been convicted of crimes to have their records taken off, but it’s not the case. These are people who were charged for crimes they were never guilty of, and they never pleaded guilty of, so it should be easy because there’s no proof of culpability. It takes a great relationship between the police department and public officials to make this all possible to get it done for the community. It was so great to see that we could accomplish this to help so many in need.”

Smith also stated that her office will have a mobile Saturday service once a month during the summer to assist those who are working during the week.

Dumfries Police Chief Vernon Galyen Jr., who was among several officers to participate in the event, spoke of the importance of supporting Nickerson and Miles. “When the Vice Mayor asked if we could be a part of this, it was a no-brainer,” said Galyen. “People deserve second chances, and it brings us out to interact with the community.” The police were helping with fingerprinting to expedite the expungement process. “It’s where we build the bridges by listening to the people and helping where needed; it’s part of community policing.”

As important as it was to have elected officials and police officers in attendance, it was those who could have their records expunged that benefitted the most. We spoke with one young man, whose name we protect for anonymity, was thankful for hearing about the clinic and what it did for him. “There’s a lot of times we’re held back because of certain things, so I can’t advance into areas because of this charge where the country is thriving off of those same things now,” said the individual. “This means a lot to me because now I can hopefully get this removed from my record to advance in life and provide for me and my family. We need those opportunities to have these blocks removed,”

“I’ve spoken with people who have had charges for 20 years ago, and I’m thankful for the Vice Mayor for putting this together, because it’s not being done anywhere else. A lot of us really need this opportunity, especially for minorities who often don’t get this second chance.”

Along with the vendors from ACTS and #ENOUGH! on hand to help discuss local services, there were several volunteers on hand to assist with providing guidance, including former 2nd District House Delegate and gubernatorial candidate Jennifer Carroll Foy, who praised the efforts of those who made it possible.”Vice Mayor Nickerson and Councilwoman Miles are doing what they promised, which is helping the community and making a difference,” she stated.” That means so much, because it’s necessary. There are as many people who have a college diploma as they do a criminal record. A lot of people don’t know who to talk to, because having a criminal record is one of the leading causes of preventing people from getting a house, good jobs and doing all the things they want to do.”

“Making sure that people know it is free and open to the public, as well as putting all of these resources together, it will help people improve their lives, it’s amazing. It helps because when people see the police and elected officials being involved, it shows that we are here to help.”

Nickerson reported that there was a 56% successful expungement rate today, and all proceeds went to the Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project. Visit their website for more information.