The City of Wichita Muncipal Counts have set Fri. Oct. 14 as Clean Slate Day, a day when the more than 10,000 Topekans with outstanding Municipal Court Fines, and the more than 3,000 residents with outstanding warrants can get their record wiped clean.
On Clean Slate Day, individuals can come in to the Muncipal Court and receive assistance from cout employees with arrest warrants, setting up payment plans, payment options and expungements. Individuals with arrest warrants can attend without fear of being arrested.
Those wanting to participate in Clean Slate Day have to bring a government-issued photo identification, like a driver’s license. If it’s available, any information or documents about existing TMC offenses and proof of income also would be helpful.
Clean Slate Day will last from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Municipal Court, 214 S.E. 8th Street. Participants need to park, for free, in the parking lot at S.E. 8th and Madison.
An anonymous donor has made a financial contribution to assist some individuals with getting their records expunged. The donation will pay the application fees and court costs, but will not cover the fines associated with misdemeanor crimes. Defendants will be responsible for the payment of their fines.
“This donation will help people who haven’t had a criminal record for years, but couldn’t afford the application fees to have their record cleared,” said Topeka Municipal Court Administrative Judge Jason Geier.
To qualify for financial assistance on Clean Slate Day, a person must be a Topeka resident and have an annual income of $26,300 or less for a one-person household. Two-person households must have an annual income of $30,050 or less; three-persons, $33,800 or less; four persons, $37,550 or less; five persons, $40,550 or less; six persons, $43,550 or less; seven persons, $46,550 or less and eight persons, $49,550 or less.
Those applying must provide proof of household income, a social security card and photo identification.
Outside the courtroom, about 15 area agencies will set up a resource fair on the sidewalk to provide people with free services, including legal advice, employment opportunities, housing, finances, education, food resources and other social service needs.
“Clean Slate Day isn’t just about getting help in Topeka Municipal Court,” said Monique Glaude’, division director of Community Engagement in the Department of Neighborhood Relations. “Because of these area service agencies that also will be on hand, Clean Slate Day truly is about empowering Topekans — in all aspects of their life.”