The Kern County Public Defender’s Office is celebrating the recent success of its “Clean Out Those Skeletons” Expungement Clinic held Oct. 28, which it says saw a line of people wrapped around the block near L Street and Truxtun Avenue in downtown Bakersfield, with some waiting since 5 a.m.

Attorneys at the clinic reviewed criminal histories, filed expungement and sealing petitions, and, in some cases, motions to recall bench warrants, all to remove barriers to employment, housing and other opportunities, a Public Defender’s Office news release said. 

“A criminal record shouldn’t have to define someone for the rest of their life.” Kern County Public Defender Senior Investigator Johanna Romero said in the press release. “People deserve the opportunity to move forward, support their families and build a better future.”

While the focus of the clinic was legal assistance, the release says, employees of the Public Defender’s Office also wanted attendees to feel welcome, empowered and supported, and all were offered free food, candy and refreshments, all personally funded and supplied by employees of the Public Defender’s Office at their own expense, not with public funds.

“The department’s employees’ generosity reflected a commitment that extended beyond their professional responsibilities and demonstrated the Public Defender’s dedication to the community they serve,” the release says.

Hundreds of clients received assistance during the expungement clinic, the release said, with nearly 1,000 criminal cases reviewed free of charge, saving the community approximately $2 million in potential private attorney fees.

“Today was about providing people fresh starts and second chances,” Deputy Public Defender Claire Jenkins said in the release. “It was an honor for our office to be able to meet and work with our community, and we hope that there will be more opportunities for this in the future.”

Two more expungement events are planned for November and December as part of the Kern County Public Defender’s Holiday Expungement Series, the release said, with details about the November event, titled “Something to Be Thankful For: A Fresh Start,” to be announced soon.