News Item
Schedule released for Wright County Law Day event on May 1
Posted: Tuesday, April 11, 2017
Visitors to the Wright County Government Center in Buffalo on May 1 will have an opportunity to take part in free legal advice clinics, attend presentations on emerging criminal justice issues, see a demonstration of the Wright County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit, and take a self-guided tour through an information fair designed to highlight services and resources available to area residents.
All of these opportunities are being offered as part of an open-to-the-public event being hosted by judges and staff from Wright County District Court and many local justice partners. The event is being held to commemorate “Law Day,” a day set aside by Congress to celebrate how the legal process contributes to our nation’s freedoms and safety.
Complementary bus rides to the event will be provided by Trailblazer Transit. Those interested in securing a free ride should call 1-888-743-3828 up to one week in advance of the event.
Below is a schedule of events for the May 1 event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
All-Day Events (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Free civil and family law legal advice clinic
- Visitors can meet one-on-one with volunteer attorneys to receive assistance with civil and family law matters.
Free legal clinic on expunging criminal, juvenile, and housing court records
- Volunteer attorneys will provide information on how to expunge (seal) criminal, juvenile, and housing court records. Attorneys will provide legal advice, assist with the completion of court forms, and work with court staff to set court dates.
Outstanding warrant resolution
- Those with outstanding misdemeanor-level warrants can receive free legal assistance and possibly resolve their cases while at the event.
Driver’s license reinstatement clinic
- Individuals who have had their driving privileges revoked can meet with staff from the Department of Public Safety’s Driver and Vehicle Services division to get answers to questions and learn how to get a license reinstated.
County & justice system information fair
- Visitors can take a self-guided tour through an information fair highlighting county and justice system resources available to local residents. A list of information fair participants can be found at www.mncourts.gov/WrightCountyLawDay2017.
Scheduled Presentations
Scams: What to watch out for, and how to protect yourself
9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
- An informational session on current scams being perpetrated in Wright County, and how residents can protect themselves. Presented by the Wright County Sheriff’s Department.
The Turn: Wright County’s adult drug court program
10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
- An introduction to Drug Court programs that are being implemented all over the country and a more in-depth look specifically at the Wright County Adult Drug Court Program, “The Turn.” Presented by Wright County District Court Judge Michele A. Davis and The Turn coordinator, Darnell Brethorst.
Wright County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit demonstration
10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.
- Come see how the Wright County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit officers and dogs work together to improve public safety and protect the community.
Introduction to restorative practices utilized within corrections and the community
10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
- An introduction into restorative practices, including victim offender dialogue, community conferencing, and conflict resolution. The presentation will discuss the potential benefits for victims, offenders, and the community, and will feature real case examples of restorative practices. Presented by Wright County Court Services officials.
Guarding the Record: The work of Minnesota’s court reporters
11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
- An informational session highlighting the work of a court reporter, detailing how a court transcript is prepared, and providing information on how the public can obtain a transcript from a court hearing. Presented by a Wright County District Court reporter.
Introduction to the Wright County Attorney’s Office
11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
- A look at the role and function of the County Attorney’s office, presented by Wright County Attorney Tom Kelly.
The Law Day event is being hosted by Minnesota’s Tenth Judicial District in partnership with the Wright County Sheriff’s Department, the Wright County Attorney’s Office, Wright County Court Services, Central Minnesota Legal Services, the Wright County Public Defender’s Office, the Wright County Law Library, and Wright County Health and Human Services.
More information about the event is available at
www.mncourts.gov/WrightCountyLawDay2017.
The Wright County Government Center is located at 10 2nd Street N.W. in Buffalo.