POST-CONVICTION ADVOCACY PROGRAM
The DPN Post-Conviction Advocacy Program, developed and led by formerly incarcerated individuals, provides free advocacy support for the community, including currently and formerly incarcerated people. Please note that DPN’s Post-Conviction Advocacy Program DOES NOT offer legal advice nor any attorney representation. Utilizing our services does not create a client-attorney privilege nor is anything discussed confidential.
OUR SERVICES INCLUDE
POST-CONVICTION RELIEF
- Expungements: To “expunge” is to “erase or remove completely.” In law, “expungement” is the process by which a record of criminal conviction is destroyed or sealed from state or federal records. An expungement order directs the court to treat the criminal conviction as if it had never occurred, essentially removing it from a defendant’s criminal record as well as, ideally, the public record. This helps formerly incarcerated individuals with better employment opportunities, housing, and professional development. If you would like to attend our next expungement clinic, please click on this LINK to register.
- Record sealing: If you had an arrest that did not result in a conviction, you may be able to seal your case under Penal Code section 851.91. You may request that a court seal your arrest records or criminal records. If a judge agrees with your request, the records will no longer be available to the public. However, some government agencies will still be able to see your sealed record. Not all arrests qualify.
- Assistance with pardons/certificate of Rehabilitation: A Certificate of Rehabilitation is a court order declaring that a person convicted of a felony is now rehabilitated. If a petition for a Certificate of Rehabilitation is granted, it is forwarded to the Governor by the court and constitutes the application for a pardon.
RESEARCH ON CONDITIONS OF CONFINEMENT
The Supreme Court has said that the Eighth Amendment (and the Fourteenth Amendment) requires prison officials to provide humane conditions of confinement. That obligation includes a responsibility to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, sanitation, medical care, and more in the prison or jail setting.
BOARD OR PAROLE HEARING PREPAREDNESS
Parole suitability hearings are held to determine if an inmate currently poses an unreasonable risk of danger to society if released from prison. The panel will consider “all relevant, reliable information available to the panel” in determining the inmate’s suitability for parole.
CONNECTING AND ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY WITH CLASS ACTION LITIGATION
A class-action lawsuit is a civil lawsuit brought on behalf of a group of people or business entities who have suffered common injuries as a result of the defendant’s conduct, with at least one individual or entity acting as a representative of that group.
If you’re interested in one of our services, please fill out the DPN Post-Conviction Advocacy Program Intake Form.
For more information, email us at post-conviction@dignityandpowernow.org or call/text us at (213) 925-2412.
Disclaimer: The Dignity and Power Now Post-Conviction Advocacy Program offers a free Expungement Clinic as a public service to participants who have a criminal record eligible for expungement and/or other post-conviction relief, such as but not limited to petitions to seal arrest records, certificates of rehabilitation, or applications for a governor’s pardon. These services, often referred to as self-help assistance, are not intended to create an attorney-client relationship. DPN Employees are not Attorneys. By using DPN services, no Attroney-Client relationship is established. Communications with our staff or document preparers are not confidential or Attorney-client protected. Dignity and Power Now is not responsible for the outcome of your case. If you need legal advice or representation, you must seek assistance from a practicing licensed attorney who is willing to take your case and provide legal advice. DPN does not provide legal advice or legal representation.