Marion County to Push Hundreds of Expungements

More than 1,000 people lined up outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse to connect with community groups.

Marion County Workshop — Source: Ryan Hedrick / WIBC Radio

INDIANAPOLIS –The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office plans to file up to 600 expungement petitions after hundreds turned out Tuesday for a Second Chance Workshop at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Prosecutor Ryan Mears says Indiana’s expungement law works, and more people should take advantage of it.

“It depends on the nature of the case, there are certain crimes that cannot be expunged,” Mears told WIBC, adding that some offenses like murder, can’t be cleared from someone’s record. “Ultimately, a judge has to sign off on the expungement. We’re hopeful that this will create better opportunities but also better relationships with law enforcement.”

More than 1,000 people lined up outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse to connect with community groups. Inside, the Prosecutor’s Workshop, thanks to office staff and volunteers, offered free help with license reinstatement, child support, and expungement.

Chris Bentley, who’s been in and out of prison nine times in recent years and struggled with drug addiction, says Tuesday’s workshop is a real chance to get his life back on track.

“I’m just trying to find a career,” he said. “I’ve got one year and four months clean. I lost my license, and I’ve been through the system. I’m really trying to get my life together.”

Others at the free workshop Tuesday said events like this give them hope they can finally get a job despite past criminal convictions.

“We want to make sure that people understand expungement—making sure they understand the process and how they can get the paperwork to the courts.”

This event was offered in collaboration with Urban One/Radio One, Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic, Second Chance Reentry Assistance Program (SCRAP), and Thomas Ridley’s 1LikeMe.

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