A Fresh Start is Possible: MLSA to host "Clean Slate" Clinics in Helena, Bozeman and Billings

The Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) will be hosting free Clean Slate Clinics in Helena, Bozeman, and Billings March 24-28, 2025, to help low-income Montanans expunge old misdemeanor convictions from their criminal records.

Expungement is the legal process that seals or erases a person’s criminal record, offering individuals a fresh start when seeking employment, housing, professional development experiences (e.g., promotions, certifications, clearances), and other opportunities. First enacted during the 2017 Montana State Legislative Session, the expungement laws allow anyone convicted of misdemeanors in a Montana state court to petition for expungement. If your most recent misdemeanor conviction is at least five years old, and you have paid off fines and completed any jail time, there is a presumption in most cases that your record will be expunged.

Amy Reavis, an MLSA attorney organizing the clinics, emphasized the importance of expungement, especially for low-income Montanans: “Expungement is not just about erasing a criminal record. It’s about offering Montanans a chance to move forward with dignity. Everyone deserves the opportunity to rebuild, pursue their goals, and define their future on their own terms. These Clean Slate Clinics represent that opportunity–a chance to be able to apply to homes, jobs, and possibilities without stigma.”

The Clean Slate Clinics will be the first of its kind in Montana, where eligible participants can receive free, confidential legal advice and completed expungement paperwork to file with a Montana state court. In-person appointments will be available in Helena, Bozeman, and Billings. Phone appointments are also available for applicants who are unable to attend in person.

Pre-registration is required for participating. Interested Montanans should apply online at bit.ly/CleanSlateMT to secure their spot.

For more information on misdemeanor expungement in Montana, visit http://www.montanalawhelp.org/resource/misdemeanor-expungement-montana or the Montana Department of Justice website on the conviction expungement process.

MLSA is a non-profit statewide law firm that empowers low-income people by providing legal information, advice, representation, and other services free of charge. Civil legal aid from MLSA assures fairness for all in the justice system, regardless of how much money a person has, and helps Montanans protect their livelihoods, their health, and their families. You can find more information on services at mtlsa.org or the Helpline at 1-800-666-6899.