Greensboro launches program to help residents expunge low-level criminal charges

The city of Greensboro is launching a new effort to help residents who have been convicted of low-level criminal offenses through the expungement process. 

Expungement or expunction allows certain criminal records to be erased or sealed. Paula Washington, with Greensboro’s Human Rights Department, says this can help those who have served their time to build more stable lives. 

“Once you have a charge on your record, it can end up being a barrier to things such as securing safe housing, access to education, the right to vote and even work development access," says Washington. "Those things start to build, and it ends up driving up the recidivism rate.” 

The expungement process can often be difficult to navigate. That’s why the city is offering the Thrive GSO Expunction Education Series, a two-part program aimed at guiding residents through the legal steps.

At the first session on March 20 at Lindley Community Recreation Center, attendees can be screened for eligibility and connect with community resources. Those who qualify can then meet one-on-one with a legal professional at the April 24 session, all for free. 

Registration is open on the city’s website, and additional sessions are planned for later this year.