In law, “expungement” is the process by which a record of criminal conviction is destroyed/sealed from state or federal record. An expungement order directs the court to treat the criminal conviction as if it had never occurred, essentially removing it from a defendant’s criminal record as well as, ideally, the public record. (American Bar Association).

For eligibility - ALL 4 must be true:

1.    All fines, fees, and restitution must be paid or waived on the case you want to expunge.  
2.     You are “off paper,” or have completed post-prison supervision or probation.
3.     You have no open cases or warrants.
4.     A certain amount of time must have passed since your last conviction. (See chart below)

Please note, the rules surrounding expungement are some of the most complicated in the Oregon code, and very case specific, so a full analysis of a person's entire record is needed to determine eligibility. Let us know if any of the above do not apply to you, and we will review with you.
 

Traffic tickets and most driving offenses can’t be expunged. Check out Restoration of Rights Project for general information.

On average, the expungement process can take 3-6 months from the time of registration to the expungement hearing.

1. Eligibility review
   • Begin registration process via Intake form. Staff will review your eligibility.
2. Signing court documents/Fingerprinting
   • Each applicant will fill out court paperwork relevant to records set for expungement.
3. Fingerprinting
   • If its determined you are eligible, you will be fingerprinted so staff can verify your identity and request your police/court records. 
4. Application Filing
   • The attorneys will prepare, but it is your responsibility to file your paperwork with the courts. But no worries, we will provide you with detailed instructions.
5. Expungement/ Hearing
   • In most cases, once the courts process the expungement, you will receive a confirmation letter (the judgement) in the mail.
   • If you receive an objection from the prosecutor or are scheduled for a hearing, contact us!
6. Once you receive your judgements, sign up with Continuing Justice to clear old information from private background check companies.

*If you are experiencing financial barriers, please ask us about our assistance program.

Assisting those looking to expunge offenses in the Oregon counties: Baker, Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Malheur, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler, Yamhill.

For some, expungement has meant a wage increase from $10/hour to $26/hour or going back to school to pursue career goals. For others it could mean being able to chaperone their child on a field trip. And for many it might mean shedding a life-long stigma. Whatever the reason, National Expungement Week seeks to remove obstacles that hinder this growth. To expunge your record is taking the first step in getting access to housing, education, and other services that aren’t always available to those with convictions.

According to the center for American progress, folks involved in the American legal system can face more than 44,000 legal sanctions that can prevent them from getting a job, obtaining licenses, attaining and maintaining housing, qualifying for public assistance, pursuing higher education, engaging in civic participation, changing immigration status, receiving custody of a minor, and that’s not everything

• Trouble getting hired, losing your job or not advancing in your career;
• A damaging reputation,
• Disadvantages in child custody disputes
• Immigration issues
• Trouble renting a property
• Denial of colleges and student aid
• Higher rates for insurance
• Loss of the right to vote
• Revocation of professional license

We encourage those who may have questions or want more information, please contact us.

PCC Clear Clinic | Terell Hall, Room 203

5624 N Borthwick Ave Portland, OR 97217

Email: Visit here to find specific PCC contact.

Clackamas Community College Workforce Development Services

19600 Molalla Ave., OR 97045

Email: work.force@clackamas.edu

Clackamas Clean Slate Project

112 11th St, Oregon City OR 97045

Email: expungement@clackamasworkforce.org