Articles
Having Compassion While Working with DV Survivors
For many of us who work with survivors of domestic violence, it is critical to collect detailed information from the client to make a competent decision regarding their case. We discuss the personal interactions between the couple, including any access to resources the survivor may need. We review custody, visitation and other issues surrounding the children, especially their relationship with the other parent.
Expanded Record Clearance to Take Effect July 1, 2023
Lisa Cope Duflock, Staff Attorney
In our last newsletter I wrote briefly about the passage of SB 731 and some of the potential positive impacts it will have for Californians seeking record clearance. I thought with the effective date of the new laws now imminent, I would expand on the practical aspects of these new laws and […]
SB 731: Expanded Record Clearance for over One Million Californians
Andrew Messersmith, Supervising Attorney
New and expanded relief is coming to those arrested for and/or convicted of an offense in California. In March 2021 State Senator Maria Elena Durazo introduced bill SB 731 to expand record clearance relief. The bill was signed by Governor Newsom on September 27, 2022 and the provisions of the bill will take […]
PBP Collaborates with Goodwill
Lisa Cope Duflock, Staff Attorney
On October 21, 2022, Pro Bono Project attorneys met with clients of Goodwill Industries Silicon Valley to talk about opportunities and procedures for record clearance. PBP Supervising Attorney Andrew Messersmith led two presentations on mandatory and discretionary expungement law for folks who are recently out of custody, as well as new […]
SB 1106: Some Unpaid Restitution Fees and Orders are Eliminated as a Bar to Expungement
Lisa Cope Duflock, Staff Attorney
In 2022 California leaped to the forefront of record clearance law with new legislation to expedite and expand record clearance for eligible individuals. Senate Bill 1106, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 29, 2022, implements significant changes to how outstanding restitution fines and orders are treated during record clearance proceedings. Before […]
Fifth District Court of Appeal Expands Possibilities for Those Seeking Record Clearance
Lisa Cope Duflock, Staff Attorney
Convictions with prison terms are often dismissed as available for record clearance, with the only option being a Certificate of Rehabilitation or a Governor’s pardon, both of which are onerous to obtain and rarely granted. However, California is consistently on the forefront of record clearance, expanding its provisions and making it available […]
What is the California End of Life Option Act?
Nancy Williamson, Staff Attorney
The Aid-in-Dying Laws allow physicians to prescribe lethal medications for individuals who are terminally ill and want to end their lives. Oregon was the first state to pass aid-in-dying legislation, and California was the fifth state. There are now eleven states offering this option.
The California End of Life Option Act (EoLOA) went into […]
The Conservatorship of Britney Spears
by Nancy Williamson, Staff Attorney
Most people have never heard of a conservatorship proceeding before the Britney Spears case. This case has quite a stir and a lot of support from Hollywood and her fans. A documentary was released in February 2021 about the conservatorship entitled “Framing Britney Spears.”
Conservatorships play an important role in the Probate Court. […]
