Record Clearance Project

Our Mission Statement

Our mission is to promote justice by providing needed services to those who cannot afford them and by educating undergraduates to deliver those services with dignity and respect. To do this, the RCP’s legal services program informs people regarding their legal rights to a clear record and provides the legal assistance necessary for them to achieve the second chance that the law promises. The RCP's Path to Expungement program provides guidance as people leave custody to move forward with their lives. As undergraduates make a difference in the lives of others, they gain the experience and motivation to promote social justice, recognizing that with knowledge and kindness, they can change the world.

Changing lives, one petition at a time.

The RCP is the only program in the country that engages undergraduate students in learning and using legal skills to clear people’s criminal records.

Please help support this life-changing program.

Why RCP Matters

Long after serving their time, RCP clients carry the consequences of past mistakes that limit jobs, housing, immigration, and more opportunities. Since many low-income people cannot afford to hire a lawyer, the RCP strives to make information and representation regarding legal rights available. As people are released from custody, RCP assists with guidance and support from system-impacted peer mentors, with student interns' support.

The Record Clearance Project -- Spring 2025

Record Clearance Project students come from a range of majors and backgrounds; a majority are the first in their families to go to college. They are motivated to use their education to assist others. Following graduation, they bring the understanding and experience they gain through their work with the RCP to careers in law, social services, government, law enforcement, tech, higher education and beyond.

Impact of Expungement

A Stanford analysis of RCP clients showed that clients received an annual increase of $6,190 in income post-expungement and an estimated gain for the government of $34,308 across three years. Thus not only does record clearance significantly improve the lives of individuals and their families, but it enhances the overall well-being of our communities as well.

Adriana Vazquez-Chavez, a student assistant with the Record Clearance Project, holds hands before embracing Carmen Navarro, whose son was cleared of past convictions, at Family Justice Center in San Jose.

Photo Credit: Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group

Record Clearance Project WishBook

The Record Clearance Project is thrilled to be featured in the Bay Area News Group's WishBook for 2024! The story features current and former students and clients as they engage in this life-changing work.

Highlights

Artistic Freedom: The Liberating Art of the Formerly Incarcerated

In case you missed the first art exhibition “Artistic Freedom: The Liberating Art of the Formerly Incarcerated” in February 2024, plans for a second one are in the works! Like the first exhibit at the Martin Luther King Library, the work of some Record Clearance Project clients will be on display. Stay tuned to learn the date of the upcoming reception.

Emily Ngo

Meritorious Service Award from the College of Social Sciences

Congratulations to Peggy Stevenson who received the Meritorious Service Award from the College of Social Sciences in May 2024! Shown here with Dean Anne Marie Todd (L) and Justice Studies Dept Chair Paul Knepper.

The Exponential Impact of Expungement

Staff members Diana Carreras and Omar Arauza are featured in SJSU's newly designed Washington Square Magazine! Both give their perspectives on their involvement with the Record Clearance Project and explain the long-lasting impact on students and clients.

RCP on the SJSU Newsroom

SJSU’s Julia Halprin Jackson spoke to RCP students and staff and wrote about how the program’s impact provides hope and opportunities to those involved.

South County Reentry Center expands hours

Staff member Stacy Quezada is pictured in the expansion of resources for those who recently released

Since its establishment...

The RCP has a 99% success rate in clearing people’s records when a court hearing is required and has removed over $130,000 in court debt on clients' behalf.

Founded at SJSU in 2008...

The RCP is powered by people who recognize the harm inflicted by the criminal legal system. Since most RCP clients are people of color, this work aims to undo the discriminatory impact caused by the legal system through an anti-racist lens that seeks to empower our communities.

SJSU Record Clearance Project - Teaching Legal Skills Classes in Custody

Join RCP in making a difference TODAY as we are fundraising to bring week-long legal rights classes (in English and Spanish) to those in custody, enabling them to gain skills and knowledge helpful in moving forward with their lives.Every contribution -- big or small -- helps RCP reach its goal. Thank you!

Mailelizabeth Gillis Named First-Ever SJSU Newman Civic Fellow

Mailelizabeth Gillis, ’25 Justice Studies and a former advanced student for the Record Clearance Project, is the first Spartan to be named a Newman Civic Fellow.