Latino organizations in Philadelphia are helping people clear their criminal records by organizing a free legal Expungement Clinic. 

"Many people in the community do not know their legal rights in this area,” said Will Gonzalez, executive director of Ceiba and president of the Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania.

“It is important to help people make sure that their records reflect reality,” he added.

The organizations that he represents, along with Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity, will help attendees through a process by which some criminal records are sealed and destroyed.

This applies mostly to arrests where there are no convictions and to summary offense convictions that are usually punishable only by a fine —such as disorderly conduct, reckless driving, and some retail theft offenses.

A 2009 law permits people to clear their record of convictions for summary offenses if they have been free of arrest or prosecution for at least five years. 

“If they met their legal obligations and they were promised a clean record, then they need to make sure that is so," Gonzalez said.

Expungements may be available for people who have:

• Non-conviction charges (e.g. dismissed, withdrawn, not guilty, etc.)

• ARD/Section 17 if you complete the program and pay the fine

• Summary convictions if you have a five-year arrest free period since the conviction

• Summary convictions if you were under 18 at the time of the offense, you are now over 18, and six months have passed since you completed the sentence and paid the fine 

• Misdemeanor and felony convictions if you are 70+ years old and have a 10-year arrest free period since the conviction(s)

The clinic will take place Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Norris Square Presbyterian Church located at 2140 N. Hancock St.

For more information, call 215-634-7245 or visit http://www.Ceibaphiladelphia.org.