How do I get started?
Clean Slate Program Instructions and Procedures:
STEP #1 - Clearly and completely fill out the Clean Slate Application.
STEP #2 - Get a copy of your San Francisco criminal history record (“Rap Sheet”) at: Identification Bureau, Room 475 - 4th Floor, Hall of Justice, 850 Bryant Street, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: $5.00. If you don’t have any money, show the clerk at the Public Defender’s Office your “Application For A Court Appointed Attorney” and request a fee waiver form which will allow you to obtain your “Rap Sheet” for free.
By mail: Rap sheets can be obtained by mailing the $5.00 fee (cashier’s check or money order) to the above address along with a notarized written request for the rap sheet and copies of your state identification and social security cards.
STEP #3 - Return all three items to the reception desk at the Public Defender’s Office at any time, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. or return to the Public Defender’s Office by mail to the attention of Debra Hoffmann. Please keep a copy of all documents you submit for your reference.
STEP #4 - You will receive an introductory letter within four weeks to let you know that we have received your application. Once we receive and review your application it generally takes another two to four weeks to receive relevant court records.
STEP #5 - Within four weeks of receiving your introductory letter you should receive initial correspondence indicating whether you need to provide additional documentation to support your petition. If you need to provide additional documentation, instructions regarding the additional documentation required will be enclosed.
STEP #6 - Once we receive all of your required supporting documentation we will draft your motion and send you an affidavit or verification form to sign. If you do not need to provide additional documentation you will simply receive an affidavit to sign in your initial correspondence. After you sign the form you need to return it to our office.
STEP #7 - Once we receive the signed affidavit or verification form from you we will file your petition and send you a letter in the mail indicating the date scheduled for a hearing on your petition. For expungement hearings on misdemeanor convictions you do not need to appear in court. For all other hearings you need to appear unless you live outside of the local area and appearing would cause you a hardship.
Clean Slate Instructions and Procedures - PDF version of these instructions.