Alameda County will soon make it easier for people with criminal records to have their convictions erased.
Earlier this month, Oakland became the first city in the state to make it illegal for landlords to ask about criminal history on most rental applications. But now, Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O'Malley announced a new program to help certain people convicted of crimes expunge their records.
“It’s very straight-forward,” O’Malley said Wednesday. “The court recognizes now a ‘not guilty’ plea as opposed to a ‘guilty’ finding, and dismisses the case outright.”
Because of a criminal conviction when he was 22 years old, Johnny Stinson said he has found it almost impossible to get a good paying job and housing in the Hayward area.
“I kind of became hopeless, stressed about these things,” Stinson said. “But seeing this program, reading about it, learning about it, it kind of took the weight off my shoulders just a few weeks ago.”
Stinson was so excited about the program, he showed up at the official announcement.
While misdemeanors can be dismissed outright, county officials said felony convictions have to be evaluated prior to removal. O'Malley said her staff will do everything they can to clear criminal records that are eligible.
The DA's office will host expungement workshops at the Hayward Public Library on Saturdays in February.