Volunteer attorneys needed to assist at April 2 Grand Rapids expungement event

Mar25

The City of Grand Rapids Office of Oversight and Public Accountability is seeking attorney volunteers to assist with its Free Expungement Event on April 2. As more than 400 community members have registered in hopes of obtaining an expungement, OPA is seeking assistance from lawyers across the State of Michigan to help during the event to address the overwhelming response.

Brandon D. Davis, director of oversight and public accountability for the City of Grand Rapids, said Michigan lawyers can volunteer for the April 2 clinic by clicking here or visiting: https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Government/Departments/Office-of-Oversight-and-Public-Accountability/Clean-Slate-GR-Volunteer-Form.

The expungement event takes place between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation, 1530 Madison Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507.

The Expungement Clinic will welcome and work with whomever arrives before 4 p.m. Attorneys are welcomed to work shorter shifts based on their availability. The volunteer form has three shift options:

  • Morning Shift (8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
  • Afternoon Shift (12:30 to 5 p.m.)
  • All Day Shift (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Any attorney can volunteer, regardless of practice area.

“Any amount of time that one can give to this effort would be greatly appreciated,” Davis said. “We thank those who have stepped up or are considering volunteering for helping us to change the lives of the members of our community.”

OPA will be offering a one-hour virtual training session at 3 p.m. Friday, April 1 to provide attorney volunteers with the information needed to assist community members. Training is not required, but it is available for those who desire to attend.  OPA can make other arrangements to provide volunteers with the necessary information if they cannot attend training.  Attorney volunteers will review both Certified Records of Conviction, and ICHATS.  Attorneys will also assist participants with completing SCAO approved expungement forms.  Attorneys will not be expected to represent participants in court or in any other representative capacity.

Those who have questions about the event and their role as a volunteer can contact Davis at (616) 456-4OPA or via email at bddavis@grand-rapids.mi.us.