By Rose Mauro, Senior Attorney, Expungement Unit

Between 1982 and 1995, our client Clara’s (fictitious name) life became deeply entwined with the criminal justice system. Clara was only 21 years old when she faced her first conviction in 1982. This early offense marked the beginning of a pattern of criminal behavior that would continue for more than a decade.

Over a span of 13 years, Clara’s criminal record grew at an alarming rate of more than 35 drug-related offenses and prostitution charges, ultimately resulting in 29 separate criminal cases and many stays in the county jail and even two separate prison sentences. Her story reflects not only personal struggles but also systemic challenges in addressing addiction and rehabilitation.

Childhood struggles and trauma

Clara’s struggles began long before her first encounter with the law. At just 12 years old, she fled her home to escape an abusive environment. Her mother’s remarriage to a mentally ill, alcoholic man created a household marked by violence and neglect. Without a support system, Clara was left to survive on her own.

By her mid-teens, Clara found herself in Los Angeles, California—a city that offered little refuge or hope for a vulnerable young teenager. In need of money and stability, she was recruited into the dark escorting world at 17 years old. This marked the beginning of a cycle of exploitation and survival that would change her whole path in life and led to numerous arrests and time served in jail and prison.

Recovery and transformation

Fortunately, Clara’s transformation began during her second prison term. She discovered Christianity, which began the road to her recovery and personal growth. By the time she left prison, she had been free from drugs and alcohol for many years. Her faith provided strength and purpose, which ultimately helped her transition out of the criminal justice system once and for all.

After her release, Clara committed herself to helping herself and others. She attended Narcotics Anonymous meetings for two years and volunteered with Hospitals & Institutions for NA in Long Beach, sharing her story with other addicts struggling with addiction. She further volunteered through the Prison Ministry for 15 years corresponding with individuals serving life sentences, sending Bible study materials and offering spiritual guidance.

Rebuilding

Determined to rebuild her life, Clara pursued a career in healthcare. In 2004, she diligently earned her Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) license. She trained and worked at several prestigious hospitals where she thrived in caring for others. However, when the CNA board discovered her criminal record during fingerprint checks, her license was suspended. This devastating reality and setback ended her career in a field she was passionate about. However, it also sparked her motivation to eventually get her convictions expunged and dismissed from her record.

Undeterred, Clara began working with In Home Supportive Services (IHSS), providing hospice care for low-income patients for six years. This role was deeply rewarding, but once again, fingerprinting revealed her past convictions, leading to yet another termination. She transitioned to retail for nine years (2008–2017), eventually becoming team leader for a department at her company.

Seeking and gaining assistance

Clara describes herself as a person of service. She longs to return to healthcare, where her skills and compassion can make a difference. Her criminal record prevents her from regaining her CNA license and working in IHSS again. At the time Clara sought help from us, she was providing full-time care for family members that required daily care. However, she truly wanted to get back into serving and helping others through using her CNA license and skills.

Clara came to the Expungement Unit needing help with all her expungements. We worked tirelessly for several months on:

  • Gathering supporting documents and character letters.
  • Drafting and refining her declaration to convey her traumatic childhood, path to crime, and remarkable transformation.
  • Preparing her for court hearings.
  • Advising her throughout the entire process.

The Judge praised the petitions as thorough, detailed, and persuasive, and expressed admiration for Clara’s changed life. All 29 expungement petitions were granted!

Clara was ecstatic and deeply grateful for the support she received from Community Legtal Aid SoCal. With her record cleared, she plans to reapply for her CNA license, return to IHSS to care for those in need, and eventually launch a nonprofit children’s ministry. 

Her story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of second chances. Clara states: “My criminal record was a reflection of a revolving door that I could not get out of when I was young. A lot of the mistakes I committed were because I had to survive. I served my time for those mistakes, but I still felt like I was living under a prison sentence for life. Now that I am 63 years old, I know these expungements will help me close the door on my past and look to the bright future.”