Expungement workshop aims to help people clear criminal records

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – The City of Myrtle Beach’s Neighborhood Services Department held a workshop Thursday to help people with a prior conviction learn ways to clear their record.

It was designed to help people having trouble getting a job or joining the military.

“One of the things is that we want to improve the quality of life in neighborhoods. In order to do that, we have to help the people who live there. So, we want people to be able to get jobs and not have any type of barriers that prevent them from getting jobs as well as housing and having a criminal record sometimes will prevent that,” Edna Wright, Director of the Neighborhood Services Department said.

The workshop featured representatives from the Parole, Pardon and Probation office in Columbia as well as from the 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Officer.

They explained the difference between expunging a record and a pardon. The workshop walked attendees through the process and other requirements to be successful in their request.

It’s something Myrtle Beach residents like Brett Butler appreciate. Butler has a prior drug conviction and is looking to get a better job.

“Well that’s just it. We’ve done our time, we’ve paid our debt. Now it’s time to move on, show that you’ve changed, show that you’re ready to change and be the person you’re supposed to begin with,” Butler said.

State representatives said taking the necessary steps to clear a record should help with future job searches.

“For instance, on a job application you still have to put that you were convicted of a crime but you can also add that you received a pardon. We think that helps people who get that dreaded box on the job application have you ever been convicted of a crime,” Peter O’Boyle said.

Eligibility requirements to take advantage of the services are: