Day of Service Record Expungement Fair

Lexington, SC 01/08/2026 - The 11th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, in partnership with Brookland Baptist Church, the 5th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, South Carolina Legal Services and the South Carolina Bar Young Lawyers Division in conjunction with the South Carolina Bar Diversity Committee and the South Carolina Bar Pro Bono Program, will host a Record Expungement Fair on Monday, January 19th, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This Day of Service event on MLK Day will take place at Brookland Baptist Church’s Health & Wellness Center located at 1046 Sunset Blvd in West Columbia.

If a criminal record has affected an individual’s ability to receive employment, housing, or public benefits, then this event is for them! Attendees will benefit from learning about what criminal offenses are eligible for removal from criminal histories. Volunteer attorneys and legal professionals will be available to conduct eligibility screenings, explain

the expungement process, and help with required paperwork where appropriate.

Personnel will be present to run criminal histories after attendees complete an intake form. Once eligibility is determined, participants will meet with the expungement coordinator for the Fifth or Eleventh Circuit Solicitor’s Office. The Fifth Circuit encompasses Richland and Kershaw Counties. The Eleventh Circuit encompasses Lexington, Saluda, Edgefield, and McCormick Counties. If an eligible offense occurred in either of these counties, the expungement coordinators on site will be able to begin the expungement application process. If an offense originated in another county, contact information will be provided.

Additionally, volunteer attorneys will be available to provide pardon counseling for those who qualify. Community members can also meet one-on-one with volunteer attorneys to receive guidance on a variety of civil legal issues.

Solicitor Rick Hubbard remarked that “this event reflects our commitment to fairness, accountability, and public confidence in the criminal justice system. The goal of this expungement fair is to reduce any potential barrier to accessing the necessary information. When the law allows a second chance, it is important that people know how to access it. Our duty as prosecutors includes helping eligible individuals understand when record relief is available.”

The fair is open to all members of the public. Registration is appreciated but not required. This event reflects the shared understanding that justice is not limited to convictions but also includes ensuring that the law provides meaningful opportunities for individuals who have met legal requirements to move forward. Even if an arrest did not result in a conviction, members of the community should attend to receive information about removing the arrest off their criminal histories.

Event Details:

Date: Monday, January 19, 2026

Time: 8:30 – 9 a.m.: Check-In (Intake)

9 to 10 a.m.: Expungement & Pardon Presentation

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Expungement & Eligibility Processing

(one-on-one meetings – first come, first served)

Location: Brookland Baptist Church

Health & Wellness Center

1046 Sunset Blvd, West Columbia, SC

Cost: Free and open to the public. Attendees should have proof of identification, know their date of birth and social security number at check-in.