Judge Greg Mathis is taking his message of redemption from the TV bench back to his hometown. The longtime daytime court star stopped by “Live In The D” to share details about a free expungement clinic this Saturday at the Judge Mathis Community Center in Detroit - and to talk about a new stage play based on his life.
“It’s the impact that’s so fulfilling to me,” Mathis said, reflecting on leaving the bench 26 years ago for television. “I think my message could help young people nationally and single mothers around the country who are looking for a way out.”
Mathis said the clinic aims to help returning citizens get a clean slate and a fair shot at work. In Michigan, he noted, roughly 10,000 people are released from prison each year - and about the same number are incarcerated.
After five years, many people with a single felony conviction can petition to remove it, he said. The process typically takes the case back to the court of conviction, where a judge verifies there’s been no new trouble. “We’re opening our doors,” Mathis said. “We do this every year at the Mathis Community Center.”
The expungement clinic is set for 10 a.m. Saturday at the Judge Mathis Community Center, 19300 Greenfield Rd. in Detroit. Organizers emphasize eligibility generally covers one felony and depends on meeting the five-year waiting period since conviction or completion of sentence.
Mathis also teased a biographical play that puts his Detroit roots and remarkable rise in the spotlight. He said younger audiences are often surprised by his backstory - and he wants them to see a path forward.
“I got to bring this story back out so that this generation will be inspired to know that Judge Mathis went from jail to judge in 15 years,” he said, adding the production includes his wife and a few personal revelations fans have been asking about.
To watch the segment, click on the video above.