A felony conviction, no matter how low-level, can often mean an automatic “no” when it comes to hiring. This Sunday at Exposition Park, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) will help to remove this roadblock for those eligible for expungements or relief under Prop 47.
A record expungement means a new life — and the ability to get a good, stable job and decent housing. Prop 47, which was passed by California voters last November gave relief, meaning certain non-violent, low-level felony convictions could be reduced to misdemeanors.
“This fair represents an opportunity for people to clean up their criminal records and get a fresh start in life,” said Yolanda Arias, head of the Economic Stability Work Group at LAFLA, one of the groups providing legal services at the event. LAFLA has a team of three attorneys working specifically on Prop 47 petitions and record expungements. LAFLA has been at the forefront of removing barriers to employment, including record expungement. Clients have been able to seek and obtain employment free of these barriers which have enabled them to provide for their families and lead productive lives.
About 300,000 people in Los Angeles County are eligible for relief under Prop 47. Statewide, about 150,000 petitions were filed from November 2014 through June 2015.
Attendees can also get health screenings and learn about renters’ rights. On-site child care will be available during appointments with attorneys. Food and live music will also be there.
The free resource fair will be held this Sunday, Sept. 27, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Exposition Park, at the corner of Exposition Boulevard and South Figueroa Street, 700 State Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037. To find out more about Prop 47 eligibility, visit lafor47.com.
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