Smith-Wade-El’s Inaugural “Second Chance” Pardon Clinic A Success

Central PA Delegation    January 22, 2024 | 10:52 AM

LANCASTER, Jan. 22– State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, hosted his first pardon and expungement clinic last Thursday in Lancaster with over 50 attendees counseled by eight volunteers on the pardon and expungement processes.

In addition to Smith-Wade-El’s district staff, volunteers came from the following local agencies: Zion Community Services, Lancaster Bar Association, YWCA, and MidPenn Legal Services.

“Too many people are being held back in life by past mistakes,” Smith-Wade-El said. “My goal for the pardon clinic is to help people learn how to navigate the pardon and expungement processes so they can get the fresh start they deserve -- opening doors to better job opportunities, housing, and overall peace of mind.”

The clinic featured:

  • Personalized advice from seasoned legal experts on the details of the pardon and expungement process.
  • Engaging and informative sessions about eligibility criteria, required documentation, and the step-by-step process.
  • Private one-on-one conversations with consultants.
  • One-on-one support in preparing and submitting a pardon or expungement application.
  • A resource fair featuring health, mental health, food, and clothing resources.

Lunch and parking were provided to registrants.

“This event wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible efforts made by local community volunteers who gave up their time to be trained on the pardon and expungement processes to counsel their neighbors,” Smith-Wade-El said. 

“This is just the first of my community pardon and expungement clinics this year,” the state representative said. “I will be advertising the upcoming ones on my social media and through email for those interested.”

Residents can sign up for Smith-Wade-El’s e-newsletters here and follow him on Facebook and X @RepIzzy.