Monterey County public defender to host bilingual Clean Slate and immigration session on April 23

Monterey County public defender's office will offer a bilingual community information session on April 23 at 5:30 p.m. at the Greenfield City Council Chambers, 599 El Camino Real, the office announced during a county briefing on April 15.

"Through our clean slate program, we'll also be helping individuals understand what forms of post conviction relief may be available, such as dismissals or record clearance," said Michelle Woodin, an assistant public defender, describing services the office provides and the life changes they can enable.

Woodin said the event will include a presentation in English and Spanish and a question-and-answer session. Alex Maris, the public defender's immigration specialist, will present on the intersection between criminal-justice outcomes and immigration consequences and conduct the Spanish portion of the session. Speakers said the office regularly conducts individualized consultations and encourages community members who cannot attend in person to call the office for assistance.

The office framed the session as outreach to help people understand eligibility for relief, what forms of post-conviction relief may or may not affect immigration status, and how to access services without fear. Woodin and Maris encouraged community members to attend, participate in the bilingual Q&A, or contact the public defender's office to schedule individual help.