Santa Ana, Calif. – On September 30, 2017, attorneys and advocates from several organizations will be on hand to assist hundreds of community members at a free expungement clinic and community resource fair from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Santa Ana College, 1530 W. 17th Street, Santa Ana. Orange County residents will have access to free direct services for expungements, Prop 47 felony reductions, Prop. 64 motions, and immigration and criminal law consultations. Attendees must make an appointment by calling (714) 571-5265. Parking is $2 per car in lot #6 off of Bristol Street.
"Just like a community college education, expungement opens up literally hundreds of pathways towards jobs, benefits and opportunities. SAC's Legal Studies Department is proud to partner with local legal service providers to bring this event and resource fair to our community," says Kim Smith, Assistant Professor of Legal Studies.
Individuals seeking help with clearing their criminal record must bring their criminal case docket—available from an Orange County courthouse— or a California Department of Justice rap sheet, which can be obtained through the Live Scan (fingerprinting) process. A limited number of free Live Scans will be available on site.
“People come to these events with thousands of barriers caused by a criminal record that prevent them from obtaining housing or a job,” said Eunisses Hernandez, Policy Coordinator for the Drug Policy
Alliance. “Removing these barriers helps our community members gain access to employment, housing, and other supportive resources helps reduce recidivism and make our communities safer.”
In California, people with felony convictions can face up to 4,800 barriers that limit their access to jobs, housing and educational opportunities. 58 percent of these barriers are employment-related and 73 percent are permanent or lifetime bans.
This event is being organized by Santa Ana College; Drug Policy Alliance; Legal Aid Foundation of Orange County; University of California, Irvine School of Law; Resilience OC; and Mi Familia Vota.
About Santa Ana College
Santa Ana College (SAC), which turned 100 years old in 2015, serves about 18,000 students each semester at its main campus in Santa Ana. The college prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions, provides invaluable workforce training, and customized training for business and industry. In addition, another 11,000 students are served through the college’s School of Continuing Education located at Centennial Education Center. Ranked as one of the nation’s top two-year colleges awarding associate degrees to Latino and Asian students, the college is also recognized throughout the state for its comprehensive workforce training programs for nurses, firefighters, law enforcement and other medical personnel. SAC is one of two comprehensive colleges under the auspices of the Rancho Santiago Community College District. Visit www.sac.edu to learn more.
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