Hundreds of individuals in need of legal help received assistance during the Franklin County Municipal Court License Reinstatement Workshop.

Hosted by Clerk of Courts Lori Tyack, the event provides participants with the opportunity to resolve existing court cases, have their reinstatement costs reduced or waived, and potentially leave with a valid driver’s license.

This was the fifth year of the event, offering help to 576 individuals including 200 walk-ins. The workshop was hosted at the main branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library.

“With the overwhelming response we have received, it is clear that our community needs these services, and we are dedicated to make our offices and our services more accessible to the public,” said Tyack.

According to Tyack’s office, thousands of drivers have suspended licenses in Franklin County. The main reasons for suspension are non-compliance, license suspensions and forfeitures, and child support violations.

Throughout the workshop, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles updated 146 records, and 47 people went home as valid drivers. Over $50,000 was waived in court costs, fines, fees, and BMV reinstatement fees.

Many attendees met with partnering agencies and organizations throughout Franklin County including Job and Family Services, Child Support Enforcement, the Public Defender’s Office, and Franklin County Municipal Court. Dozens of volunteers from Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio were also on-site to assist.