April 21st Vet to Vet Tennessee (VTVT) partnered with the University of Tennessee College of Law Professor Joy Radice, 10th Judicial District Criminal Court Judge Sandra Donaghy, Monroe County General Sessions/Veterans Court Judge Dwaine B. Thomas and Monroe County Court Clerk Marty Cook. We are also grateful volunteers and support from the Knoxville Bar Association, TN Faith & Justice Alliance and the local pro-bono attorneys assisted by UT Law students, This was the second expungement clinic co-hosted by UT College of Law and VTVT.
The clinic was held at Vet to Vet Tennessee’s Veteran/Military Friendly Congregation First Baptist Church of Madisonville, Tennessee. Thanks to First Baptist Church Pastor Chris Moore and his church members, this venue provided the clinic members and clients with a great environment to conduct court. Not only did they provide the facility, but they also provided 11 volunteers and breakfast for everyone.
In two weeks, 280 individuals registered and approximately 200 attended the clinic. First expungement clinic to include a Circuit, Criminal, General Sessions and Veterans Court Judges. We had over 60 volunteers. Program was scheduled from 9:00am until Noon but did not end until the last case was processed which occurred at 6:00PM.
[read more=”Click here to Read More” less=”Read Less”]
Before the opening comments at 9am, we were honored and surprised by a visit and support from Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Sharon Lee.
The clients were extremely happy with their result in the clinic. Ashely P. stated that “I have been one year sober and couldn’t have done it without my probation officer, church, meetings and support groups. God has bless me to come to this clinic, and they waived over $3,100.00. That is a miracle in itself.” Click here to read clinic testimonies:
On behalf of Vet to Vet Tennessee and the Knoxville Regional Veterans Mental Health Council we thank God and all of the participants in creating a “restorative day.” Judge Thomas 4-21-18
Click here to view more clinic photos.
[/read]
