Free legal services are provided to individuals who:

• Seek remedies for arrests/ convictions in Alameda County
• Face barriers to employment or occupational licensure due to a criminal record
• Have municipal or court fines and fees in Alameda County that they cannot afford to pay
• Have a driver’s license suspension due to outstanding fines or fees

* The East Bay Community Law Center provides free legal services to eligible East Bay clients. Specific service criteria vary by subject matter and change over time, so please contact the office with any specific questions.

** EBCLC cannot provide legal information or advice via email. Please contact us during regular intake hours to determine eligibility for services.

To apply for Clean Slate services, please attend one of our walk-in clinics.  Starting Thursday, April 20, 2023, and until further notice, our walk-in clinics will be held from 9AM – 11AM on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at the Alameda County Public Defender’s Office: 545 4th Street, Oakland, CA 94607.

If you are unable to attend a walk-in clinic, please call 510-548-4040 and select the Clean Slate option.

Referrals for Traffic or Criminal Record Remedies

• In state: For Clean Slate assistance in other counties within California see our Counties Map & Resource Page
  
• Out of state: For Clean Slate assistance in other States visit National H.I.R.E. Network

*Communication of information by, in, to or through this Website and your receipt or use of it (1) is not provided in the course of and does not create or constitute an attorney-client relationship, (2) is not intended as a solicitation, (3) is not intended to convey or constitute legal advice, and (4) is not a substitute for obtaining legal advice from a qualified attorney. You should not act upon any such information without first seeking a qualified attorney on your specific matter.  

Referrals for Education Resources

• Youth Uprising
  • Website: http://www.youthuprising.org/programs/career-education/
  • Phone: (510) 777-9909
  • Address: 8711 MacArthur Boulevard, Oakland, CA 94605
  • To be eligible you must live in Alameda County, be between the ages of 13 and 24, and attend an orientation at Youth Uprising held weekly (Monday – Thursday at 4pm).

Referrals for Employment Resources

Download (PDF, 182KB)

Referrals for Other Resources

Download (PDF, 137KB)

Question:  Can I vote if I have a criminal record?

Answer:  You can vote if you are (1) a US Citizen, (2) 18 years or older, (3) out of prison, and (4) off parole.  You must be registered to vote no later than 15 days before the next election and you can register at www.registertovote.ca.gov.  Please see this flyer for more information about civic participation such as voting and jury service here.

Question: What can I expect when I show up for Traffic Court?

Answer: See here.

Question: What do I do if I can’t afford to pay a traffic ticket in Alameda County?

Answer: Alameda County has a process for people who cannot afford to pay traffic tickets, more information here: http://www.alameda.courts.ca.gov/Pages.aspx/What-if-I-can-t-afford-to-pay- and here.

Question:  What is “Ban the Box”/”California Fair Chance Act” and how does it impact workers?

Answer:  See the National Employment Law Project (NELP) factsheet and Know Your Rights as a jobseeker: http://www.nelp.org/publication/california-fair-chance-act-jobseeker-know-your-rights/

Question:  What is “Ban the Box”/”California Fair Chance Act” and how does it impact employers?

Answer: See the National Employment Law Project (NELP) factsheet and Employer Obligations: http://www.nelp.org/publication/california-fair-chance-act-employer-obligations/