ALPENA — People with old criminal charges may be able to get their criminal record hidden with the help of an expungement clinic in Alpena on Friday.

Attorneys will help attendees determine their eligibility for expungement and assist those who qualify through the application process.

All services are free to attendees.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is expected to be on hand for the clinic, along with representatives from her office and from Safe and Just Michigan, an advocacy organization addressing social issues related to incarceration.

Those attending the clinic should bring a Michigan ID. Residents from Alpena, Presque Isle, Montmorency, and Alcona counties are welcome.

The clinic will be held 2 to 5 p.m. Friday at the Bay View Center, 710 N. 2nd. Ave., with parking available in the Salvation Army Church parking lot.

Access to expungement — the process of hiding a criminal record from public view — increased in 2021 with the passage of “Clean Slate” laws in Michigan.

Advocates for the change say hiding a criminal record can help people who have maintained a clean record get jobs, education, and homes to help them avoid a return to illegal behavior.

People with up to three felonies and any number of misdemeanors may be eligible for expungement.