A Clean Slate

We've all done things we regret, things we wish we could undo.

Sometimes those things result in a criminal record.

And for those who have trod the straight and narrow ever since, that criminal record can become a real millstone.

But there are ways to untie that millstone and a free program Wednesday, June 27 at the New First Baptist Church of Birdsboro, 200 N. Mill St., is designed to help.

The program, which begins at 6 p.m. is put on by the Criminal Record Expungement Project, a non-profit arm of the Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity which works with the community "to reduce the collateral effects of criminal records through direct representation, advocacy and public education."

Two lawyers, Ryan Hancock, from C-REP's board of directors, and Michael Lee, supervising attorney, will discuss the use of Criminal Record History Information and how individuals may file a petition for expungement.

For more information on C-REP, click here.

"It is my hope to educate employers to allow ex-offenders a second chance," Albert Dunn, one of the eventorganizers, said in an e-mail.. "In saying that, I do not include Ex-Felons. It is important to note the difference."

"Ex-offenders do not re-offend.  Ex-felons do," Dunn wrote. "If a person has a record and did something criminal and out of character years and years ago, then that person should not be judged as a chronic criminal.

"Ex-Felons commit crimes again and again," he wrote. "We do not support or condone ex-felon behavior."