Eight million Californians have criminal records that affect their access to employment, housing, education, and community. Over the past several years, California has dramatically expanded legal remedies that reduce the impact of these convictions on employment and housing opportunities. But as remedies have expanded, the application process has become more complex. In partnership with legal services organizations around the state, The Access Project helps clients obtain their records, and trains law firm volunteers to analyze clients’ RAP sheets and prepare petitions for clients without leaving their offices. 

In 2019, California passed historic reform to redress the excesses of past tough-on-crime sentencing policies. Under AB 2942, elected District Attorneys can reevaluate past sentences and petition for change where it’s determined that a current sentence is no longer in the interest of justice. Working with For the People, which conceptualized and drafted the legislation, The Access Project is developing a scalable program that will allow For the People lead implementation of the new law by reviewing cases of possible excessive sentencing and, where appropriate, supporting requests for prosecutors to recommend a lesser sentence.

Some applicants’ clean slate petitions are especially complex. In those cases, The Access Project recruits pro bono counsel to take on full-scope representation. These cases usually include a hearing, providing valuable experience for pro bono attorneys.

TAP has provided assistance for ad hoc clinics offered by OneJustice, Legal Services for Prisoners with Children, and Root & Rebound. We are working with other legal services and community organizations around the state to extend the TAP service model to meet other legal needs.