Skip to content
Sylvia Nam edited this page Mar 23, 2024 · 34 revisions

Welcome to the Expunge Assist Wiki!

Project Definition

Expunge Assist builds digital tools that help people in California clear their past criminal records.

Introduction to the Project

What is Expunge Assist?

Expunge Assist (formerly known as The Record Clearance Project) was initially created as a response to criminal justice reform, specifically clean slate legislation, such as Props 64 and 47 and AB 1067.

Clean slate laws have opened up new opportunities for clearing non-violent, non-sexual, and non-serious convictions through a process known as expungement. Expungement is the most common method of record clearance (other methods of record clearance, such as a pardon from the governor, are less common). There are two methods of expungement: 1) automatic expungement which is done directly by the courts and 2) petitions, which puts the burden of responsibility of clearing the record on the individual. Whereas millions of records have been automatically expunged by the courts, for all other records, a person must individually file a petition to request expungement.

Expunge Assist offers free technological solutions to facilitate expungement, addressing government and non-profit partner needs in a changing legal and criminal justice landscape.

Why do it?

Old records can show up on commercial background checks, even when a person has paid fees, completed probation or served time. Clearing a past arrest or earlier conviction can help remove discriminatory barriers to getting a job, housing, and educational opportunities. Most misdemeanors and felonies are now eligible for expungement. Our goal is to make that process for Californians easier.

Project One Sheet

You can access our Project One Sheet here.