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Public Defender outlines "Clean Slate" program that helps San Francisco residents clear certain criminal records
Summary
The San Francisco Public Defender described the Clean Slate program—assisting people to seal, expunge or reduce convictions—and provided neighborhood drop‑in times and contact guidance; presenters urged eligible residents to contact the office to learn about relief options.
A San Francisco Public Defender presenter described the office’s "Clean Slate" program and encouraged residents with prior criminal history to seek counsel about record‑sealing and other relief. "The program provides services for individuals to get their criminal history records expunged, sealed and destroyed, obtain certificates of rehabilitation, termination of probation, and reduce felony convictions to misdemeanors," the presenter said.
Damaris Evans, identified in the transcript as the attorney in charge of the Clean Slate program, explained how the program helps people navigate eligibility and procedures. The presenter described two access paths: residents may come into the office to pick up an application or request that an application be mailed.
Details provided in the presentation: the program offers a Tuesday drop‑in at the San Francisco Public Defender's Office from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.; community locations include the Up from Darkness office at 1075 Fillmore (first and third Wednesdays, 2 p.m.–4 p.m.), Sunnydale Village Community Center (fourth Wednesdays, 2 p.m.–4 p.m.), and the Southeast Community Center at 1800 Oakdale (Thursdays, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.). A program participant described personal results: "It's been 3 years since I've been clean and sober ... I just got my seal of approval from them and I have no felony and no convictions anymore," the participant said.
The presenter framed the program as an employment and housing access tool, explaining that clearing records can remove barriers to licensing, government assistance and job applications. The program’s materials and drop‑in schedule were presented as the primary route to begin a review of eligibility.
No formal action was taken by the commission on the program at this meeting. The presentation served as public awareness and outreach to encourage eligible residents to contact the Public Defender's Office for help.
For residents: the Clean Slate drop‑in schedule was given during the presentation and callers were advised to contact the Public Defender's Office to confirm availability and eligibility.
