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Public Defender describes Clean Slate program to help San Franciscans clear records
Summary
The San Francisco Public Defenders Office described its Clean Slate program, which helps eligible people expunge, seal or otherwise clear criminal history records to improve employment and housing prospects; the office offered drop-in times and community locations.
Representatives of the San Francisco Public Defenders Office told the commission about the offices Clean Slate program, started in 1998, that assists people to expunge, seal or destroy criminal history records, obtain certificates of rehabilitation, terminate probation and reduce felony convictions to misdemeanors.
Demaris Evans, described in the proceedings as the attorney in charge of the Clean Slate program, said the program helps people "clear your record" after they make a showing of rehabilitation and complete required terms such as probation or community service. The office offers drop-in clinics and community-site sessions at identified times and locations; program staff urged anyone with a criminal-history concern to contact the public defenders office for eligibility screening.
A program participant said the record-clearing had real effects: "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 and I'm so confident in myself and I know I'll get a good job," the speaker said.
The presentation included practical guidance on how to access the program and encouraged commissioners to support outreach to eligible residents.
