For some with criminal records, the Public Defender’s Office offers help on how to wipe the slate clean.

Aric Sleeper here, thinking about how breaking the law can have different consequences depending on your socioeconomic and immigration status, and how one stupid mistake can sometimes affect someone’s life longer than it should. 

To help individuals clear some eligible past crime convictions, such as misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies, paving the way for better opportunities, whether it amounts to employment, housing options or education and beyond, the County of Monterey Public Defender’s Office is hosting a free Immigration and Clean Slate presentation. It takes place from 5:30-7pm on Thursday, April 23 in the Greenfield City Council Chambers at 599 El Camino Real.

During a County of Monterey news briefing today, April 15, Monterey County Assistant Public Defender Michelle Wouden outlined the informational event. 

“For many individuals, involvement in the legal system doesn’t just end when a case is closed. It continues to affect nearly every aspect of daily life,” she said. “For members of our immigrant community, there is often an added layer of fear and uncertainty about how a criminal case, whether past or present, might impact one’s ability to remain in the country or stay with their family.” 

Wouden said the Immigration and Clean Slate presentation is intended to provide accurate answers to legal questions and curb some of those fears in a setting that is “welcoming, respectful and focused on their needs.” She explained that the Clean Slate program can facilitate dismissals of charges and the clearing of criminal records. For those who can’t attend, the Public Defender’s Office can also answer questions directly at askpubdef@countyofmonterey.gov. 

At the event in Greenfield, Monterey County Immigration Specialist Alex Mares will be on-site to discuss and answer questions about the nexus of criminal law and immigration law—with the first presentation in English and the second in Spanish—followed by a bilingual question-and-answer session. 

Wouden said the event is also about building trust with the community, as people sometimes feel that the system is intended to work against them. However, the event is designed to provide information and resources without judgment.