San Francisco Public Defender's Office promotes Clean Slate program for criminal record expungement

San Francisco's Public Defender's Office is making strides in providing second chances to individuals with criminal records through its Clean Slate program. This initiative, established in 1998, aims to help people expunge, seal, and destroy their criminal history records, allowing them to pursue employment, housing, and government assistance without the burden of past convictions.

During a recent government meeting, attorney Demaris Evans highlighted the program's significant impact on participants. "It allows individuals who have criminal history records to have those records cleared up," she explained, emphasizing that this process can remove barriers to essential opportunities. The program has proven meaningful for many, with one participant sharing their success story of achieving a clean record after three years of sobriety.

The Clean Slate program is accessible to the community, offering drop-in application times at the San Francisco Public Defender's Office and various community centers. These sessions provide individuals with the chance to learn about their eligibility for record clearance and the steps necessary to achieve it.

Evans encouraged anyone with a criminal history to reach out for assistance, dispelling the myth that their records cannot be cleared. "I really encourage anyone who has any records to contact us and let us review their records," she stated, reinforcing the program's commitment to helping individuals reclaim their lives.

As the Clean Slate program continues to evolve, it stands as a beacon of hope for many in San Francisco, demonstrating the power of rehabilitation and the importance of providing pathways to a brighter future.