LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Annie O’Dell waits to meet with an attorney. She is hoping to get her record expunged. An act she says can make a big difference in her and other’s lives. 

“I have been an individual who hadn’t been able to get a house, who couldn’t even rent from someone because of my criminal background check, and so, removing this barrier is going to give me the opportunity to do that,” O’Dell says. 

Those that attend the clinic meet with an attorney who provides free legal advice. Various agencies, including LegalAid Society and LegalAid of the Bluegrass, were on hand to assist. 

The participants are guided through the process if approved for expungement. 

“It’s really important for our community, for individuals that have made mistakes, that have, you know, extensive backgrounds. It’s really important that we remove those barriers.”

Misdemeanors and Class D felonies are eligible to get expunged. Class D felonies include possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, unauthorized use of a credit card, stalking, drug possession and wanton endangerment.

“It can impact your future because it can open up housing opportunities, educational opportunities, licensure and also better employment,” Miranda Montgomery, Goodwill Industries of Kentucky’s re-entry supervisor said.

O’Dell said the process was pretty straightforward. 

“It was really simple. We just had to fill out a few pieces of paper and then they even gave us lunch and got us on through. So, it’s been really simple, really enjoyable, really laid back, easy process.”

O’Dell also affirms the event is helping many in the community. 

“It just shows different members of our community coming together and supporting one another and it’s a beautiful thing,”  she said.

The next Goodwill Industries of Kentucky’s Expungement clinic will be in Versailles, Kentucky on Tuesday, Oct. 17.