COLUMBUS, Ohio (Oct. 22, 2018) — More than 150 citizens with driver’s license suspension issues attended a Driver’s License Reinstatement Clinic on Friday, Oct. 19 at the Franklin County Judicial Center.
The Franklin County Municipal Court Clerk’s Office, Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation (OLAF), Legal Aid, and Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA) partnered to provide guidance and assistance to those who qualified for driver’s license reinstatement services. In Franklin County alone, there are more than 370,000 drivers with suspended licenses. Across Ohio, there are approximately 3.3 million active license suspensions.
OLAF, Legal Aid, and OSBA offered free legal assistance, and volunteer attorneys helped participants navigate the step-by-step process. The Clerk’s Office accepted payments for court costs, fines, and provided access to the BMV online reinstatement website.
“Volunteering at the clinic was so satisfying for the attorneys,” said Angie Lloyd, executive director of OLAF. “People are thankful for the help, because getting their driver’s license back means they can get to work, school, and to doctor’s appointments.” For Ohioans who need to get to work, reliable transportation is crucial.
This clinic was a collaborative effort with AA Affordable Insurance, Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Columbus City Prosecutor, Franklin County Child Support Enforcement, Franklin County Public Defender, Franklin County Job & Family Services, Franklin County Municipal Court Judges, and Franklin County Municipal Court Self-Help Center.
“Friday’s clinic was a great success and we would like to thank all for sparing their valuable time,” said Lori M. Tyack, Franklin County Municipal Court Clerk. “The clinic is a precursor to a larger BMV Driver’s License Reinstatement Workshop which will be held next spring on April 4, 5 and 6. The workshop will assist drivers in taking advantage of the BMV Amnesty Program included in House Bill 336.”