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POST-CONVICTION ADVOCACY
INDIVIDUAL ADVOCACY FOR SYSTEM-IMPACTED COMMUNITY MEMBERS
The Dignity & Power Now's (DPN) Post-Conviction Advocacy Program provides free post-conviction support services for currently and formerly incarcerated individuals, their families and communities.
Developed and led by formerly incarcerated leaders, this community-based program offers self-help assistance with expungements, record sealing, parole hearing preparation, and more. We empower system-impacted individuals through peer-led services grounded in abolitionist values, healing justice, and collective care.
By offering direct assistance and education, we help participants navigate complex legal systems, reclaim their power, and move forward in their journeys toward healing and freedom.
Developed and led by formerly incarcerated leaders, this community-based program offers self-help assistance with expungements, record sealing, parole hearing preparation, and more. We empower system-impacted individuals through peer-led services grounded in abolitionist values, healing justice, and collective care.
By offering direct assistance and education, we help participants navigate complex legal systems, reclaim their power, and move forward in their journeys toward healing and freedom.
disclaimer
- DPN does not provide legal advice or attorney representation. Participation in this program does not establish attorney-client privilege, and discussions are not confidential. DPN employees are not attorneys.
- DPN offers free Expungement Clinics as a public service to participants who have a criminal record eligible for expungement and/or other post-conviction relief.
- DPN 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.
Voices of dignity & power
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Post-Conviction Relief
We assist individuals with:
- Expungements – Clearing eligible criminal convictions to improve access to employment, housing, and education.
- Record Sealing – Helping individuals with qualifying arrests that did not result in convictions seal their records from public view.
- Pardons & Certificates of Rehabilitation – Supporting applications that demonstrate rehabilitation and pave the way for a Governor’s pardon.
Board and Parole Hearing Preparation
We offer resources, coaching, and educational tools to help individuals and their families prepare for parole and board hearings, increasing their chances of a successful outcome.
Conditions of Confinement Research & Advocacy
Our team documents and challenges inhumane conditions in jails and prisons, advocating for dignity, safety, and accountability through research and grassroots efforts.
Class Action Engagement & Support
We help connect impacted individuals and communities to collective legal actions that challenge systemic harm, partnering with legal allies to seek justice on a larger scale.
Participatory Defense
Through this community-centered strategy, we support families in organizing around legal cases—transforming courtrooms into spaces of collective power and shifting narratives toward justice and dignity.
Interested in receiving our services?
If you are a system-impacted individual interested in receiving our advocacy services, please submit our interest form.
Know someone who could benefit from our services?
We encourage you to share this information with others who might find it helpful. To learn more, please contact us at post-conviction@dignityandpowernow.org or call/text (213) 925-2412.
Know someone who could benefit from our services?
We encourage you to share this information with others who might find it helpful. To learn more, please contact us at post-conviction@dignityandpowernow.org or call/text (213) 925-2412.
Invest in Second Chances and Community-Based Advocacy
Your donation directly supports accessible, community-based legal support for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals.
By giving to the DPN Post-Conviction Advocacy Program, you’re helping us provide critical resources for parole preparation, relief, participatory defense, and more.
Every dollar helps empower system-impacted people to advocate for themselves, secure fair treatment, and reclaim their rights.
Learn how you can contribute to this transformative legal work by contacting us at: post-conviction@dignityandpowernow.org or call/text (213) 925-2412.
By giving to the DPN Post-Conviction Advocacy Program, you’re helping us provide critical resources for parole preparation, relief, participatory defense, and more.
Every dollar helps empower system-impacted people to advocate for themselves, secure fair treatment, and reclaim their rights.
Learn how you can contribute to this transformative legal work by contacting us at: post-conviction@dignityandpowernow.org or call/text (213) 925-2412.
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Use Your Skills to Advance Justice and Abolition-Based Legal Advocacy
Join us in providing life-changing legal support to people impacted by incarceration.
Volunteers play a vital role—whether you’re a law student, legal professional, researcher, or passionate community member, your time and skills can help us expand our reach and deepen our impact.
Together, we build legal power rooted in dignity, healing, and abolition.
Volunteers play a vital role—whether you’re a law student, legal professional, researcher, or passionate community member, your time and skills can help us expand our reach and deepen our impact.
Together, we build legal power rooted in dignity, healing, and abolition.
Opportunities include:
- Assisting with intake and case research
- Supporting community education and legal resource development
- Amplifying participatory defense efforts
To learn more about volunteering/partnering with the DPN Post-Conviction Advocacy Program, email post-conviction@dignityandpowernow.org or call/text (213) 925-2412.
Total by race/Gender
- 400community members supported in 2024
- 8expungement clinics hosted in 2024
- 99%success rate with expungement petitions & petitions to seal arrest