University of New Mexico law students are using a state law passed in 2019 to help people get arrests and convictions expunged from their records.
UNM Law partnered with Peake Law Firm to launch a hotline for those interested in getting free advice about the new law, which few have taken advantage of, according to assistant visiting professor Madelyn Finucine. Law students with the University of New Mexico’s Expungement Law Clinic will assess cases to help people determine if they are eligible to have their arrests and convictions expunged.
“Our expectation is that no one is going to walk away empty-handed," Finucine told KRQE. "At a minimum, folks will get information and sort of direction of where to look for resources and we also hope many of these cases will end in a referral to either the Peake Law Firm or here to the clinic.”
The hotline connects with the National Expungement Works’ Week of Action and Awareness geared to help individuals gain employment, receive promotions and qualify for loans by clearing up damaging information and records.
The hotline is active through Oct. 1, and the number is 505-750-7702. It will be operational from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. After five, people can leave voicemails with calls being returned during the day.