Stanislaus County legal clinic to assist people with clearing criminal records
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Agencies host Clean the Slate clinic in Modesto to expunge and seal records.
- Clinic offers free legal help to reduce felonies, expunge cases, seal arrests.
- Program links public defender, DA, probation and CRLA to aid reentry.
A Clean the Slate Clinic for county residents with criminal records will be held Friday in Modesto.
The Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office, Probation Department and Public Defender’s Office are teaming with California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA) to hold the free legal clinic to assist with reducing prior felony convictions, expunging criminal cases and sealing arrest records.
The Clean Slate program will help former inmates to reenter the community by identifying criminal records that are eligible for expungement. The clinic will be Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Hub, a new resource center operated by the Public Defender’s Office at 707 14th St.
The services aim to remove barriers for people who have served their time or paid the penalty for breaking criminal laws. According to a news release, a criminal record makes it difficult for the formerly incarcerated to find employment and housing when employers and landlords use background checks to screen applicants.
“The added stability of employment and housing after incarceration helps reduce rates of recidivism, which improves the overall quality of life in our community,” District Attorney Jeff Laugero said in the news release. “Often, criminal records prevent opportunities for employment and housing, though many of these records are eligible for expungement.”
California’s criminal justice reforms have aimed to give a second chance to people convicted of certain misdemeanors and felonies.
Employers today are not permitted to consider expunged convictions in making a hiring decision. Job applicants with expunged criminal records may legally tell a prospective employer they’ve never been convicted of a crime.
A person with a criminal past who applies for state professional licenses is expected to disclose criminal convictions on an application . But licensing agencies tend to be more lenient with applicants with expunged convictions, the news release said.
According to CRLA, misdemeanor convictions and probation violations have disqualified adults from receiving benefits such as public assistance, food stamps or low-income housing. Even a misdemeanor drug conviction can result in losing health coverage or student financial aid.
“Another benefit of this work that we have seen is that our clients who get their expungement petitions granted are not returning to the criminal justice system,” said Joseph Doherty, directing attorney for CRLA.
It’s estimated that 13% of those with criminal convictions in California are eligible to have the records removed so they don’t appear on typical background checks. Adults eligible for the process must have completed probation or been discharged from probation terms, according to county public defender websites.
A petition is filed in court asking to withdraw a previous guilty plea, have the case dismissed or reduce a felony conviction to a misdemeanor. A judge will decide whether to grant the petition. Those wishing to clear their criminal records are welcome to attend Friday’s clinic.
In August, county supervisors approved a lease for The Hub to help criminal offenders reenter the community. Assembly Bill 109 in 2011 placed expectations on counties and provided funding to deliver services for former inmates to support a successful transition.
Public Defender Jennifer Jennison said by email the walk-in center expands her office’s client support services and Early Representation Partnership approach, which combines legal defense with social services designed to break the cycle of criminal offenses.
Working with partners such as Friends Outside, county Workforce Development and Learning Quest, The Hub will connect people with mental health services, substance use therapy, education and job opportunities.
The county will spend $39,750 per year on the office lease. Services are provided by existing staff and community partners, Jennison said.
Contract for pilot reentry program was terminated
The county had a short-lived contract with Legacy Alliance Outreach to operate a Homeboy Industries-style reentry program for the formerly incarcerated. The $812,000 contract was terminated in March over what county officials said were financial irregularities.
A county spokeswoman said in an April 8 email: “Legacy Alliance Outreach appears to have requested reimbursement of costs in a manner not consistent with the agreement. The agreement was terminated on March 19, 2025, and an audit of their records and invoices is under way.”
The statement said the county would not comment further until the audit is completed.
Michael Baldwin, founder of Legacy Alliance, said this week he would not comment on the agreement with the county.
“I am happy they are holding an expungement clinic in our town to create the opportunity for individuals to have second chances in restoring their lives,” Baldwin said. “I am glad that a lot of the services we started are things the county will continue.”
This story was originally published November 6, 2025 at 7:00 AM.
