TRACY HARRIS – Staff Writer
Front L to R: Savannah Oliver TBAYLD Public Service Chair, Alix Bloodworth Rogers Belmont Law School; Seated: Judge Lee Bussart; Standing L to R: Betsy Burton, Mona Pittman, Circuit Court Clerk Mike Wiles
Marshall County held an expungement clinic on Thursday, July 18, 2024. It was the first time in first time in five years that an expungement clinic was held here. The clinic was well-received by community members.
At the event, 39 people signed in. Eight people were able to get their records expunged of 16 charges in total. Additionally, 12 people were given packets to start the expungement process.
Expungement means that certain convictions will be erased from a person’s record. Potential landlords, jobs, and banks can no longer see a person’s record. It can help people who may have made mistakes in the past obtain housing, a job, and open bank accounts.
Savannah Oliver with the Law Office of David McKenzie, was the attorney providing services pro bono to attendees. Alix Bloodworth Rogers of Belmont Law School was also in attendance.
Marshall County Democratic Party chairperson, Jess Limbird, recognizes the value in expungement, stating, “Everyone deserves second chances. The Marshall County Democratic Party supports expungement and any restoration of the civil rights afforded to US citizens, including voting rights. We were glad to help spread the word about this last expungement clinic and will do it again in the future. Marshall County is lucky to have such dedicated civil servants living and working here.”
Judge Lee Bussart explained that Rogers was able to help one attendee with charges in Davidson County (Nashville.) Rogers knew about an upcoming expungement clinic in Davidson County. She passed along the day and time of that clinic so that he could get the charges taken care of in the appropriate court. Had Rogers not been here in Marshall County and passed that information onto him, he may have missed the opportunity in Nashville completely.
Courthouse staff stayed after hours on to ensure the clinic was a success. Judge Bussart presided over the clinic. She considered the clinic a success and said that “so much credit goes to the young attorneys.”
-photo courtesy of Judge Lee Bussart
