Non Profit Code for America Expands Tech to Help Expunge Marijuana Convictions

Non-profit technology company Code for America issued a press release on its website about its new software and implementation blueprint to help DAs dismiss or reduce cannabis convictions in the state of California.

The technology, called Clear My Record Application and Implementation blueprint, will be made available to every California county. District attorneys will be able to use the software and step-by-step guide to quickly review cannabis convictions that are eligible under Proposition 64 within the required timeline under AB 1793. There are an estimated 220,000 convictions that are eligible for relief, according to the California Department of Justice. Although California legalized adult recreational and medical marijuana, marijuana remains illegal under federal law.

Clear My Record is an open-source software application and comes with a toolkit. The toolkit works to analyze Prop 64 convictions based on eligibility criteria.

Jennifer Palkha, the Founder and Executive Director of Code for America, stated in the press release,

“Today we’re expanding Clear My Record statewide, which will open the door to relief for tens of thousands of Californians. We are demonstrating that government can make good on its promises, especially to those who have been denied jobs, housing and other opportunities because of their criminal record. Clear My Record is igniting change across the state and the nation.”

Further, the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office, which first utilized the Clear My Record application, also stated in the press release,

“Yolo County District Attorney's Office is excited to be working with Code for America to provide conviction relief to those eligible under law. The Clear My Record Application and Implementation Blueprint dramatically accelerates our efforts to review convictions and implement AB 1793, well in advance of the law’s July 2020 deadline. Using Clear My Record streamlines our work, and it also makes it easier to be open and transparent with our community. This partnership enables us to leverage technology and data to better serve our community and transform the way our government delivers services to those impacted by the criminal justice system.”

All information is for general informational and educational purposes only. Nothing should be interpreted as legal or wellness advice.