Project Summary

The Expung Assist project, previously known as the LA Record Clearance Project, emerged to streamline the criminal record expungement process for individuals affected by cannabis convictions. This initiative was crucial for promoting social equity and justice in California, particularly for communities devastated by the War on Drugs. During my tenure from August 2019 to March 2020, I played a vital role in guiding the research and ideation phases that ultimately shaped the product’s direction.

Target Demographic Challenges

• Awareness: Many individuals with low-level cannabis charges are unaware that they can have their records expunged through a straightforward process. In California, approximately 1 in 4 adults—equating to around 8 million individuals—has an arrest or conviction record. Yet, a survey found that only 30% of those affected were aware of their eligibility for expungement (Public Policy Institute of California).
• Disproportionate Impact: Communities of color face a higher burden, with Black individuals arrested for cannabis possession at rates over four times that of white individuals despite similar usage rates (ACLU). This demographic is crucial to target when advocating for record clearance.
• High Drop-off Rates: A significant number of users abandon the application process, particularly when faced with the daunting task of writing a personal essay. The personal statement is often the most challenging aspect for users, who may lack academic support. Approximately 70% of individuals with criminal records may be excluded from job opportunities due to background checks, which commonly highlight their previous charges (National Employment Law Project).

Key Contributions

1. Research and Ideation:
   • Partnered with community leaders at Thendica.org to identify the two primary challenges:
     • Low Awareness: Many potential users are uneducated regarding available expungement services.
     • High Drop-off Rates: A significant number of users abandoned the application process, particularly when faced with the daunting task of writing a personal essay.
2. Feature Development:
   • Directed efforts to create a core feature that simplifies the process by generating a tailored court/attorney letter from a user-completed questionnaire, which directly addressed the personal statement barrier.
3. Design and Collaboration:
   • Coordinated research, feature definitions, and wireframing, alongside cross-functional teams, to ensure the final product was both accessible and user-friendly for individuals navigating the expungement process.

Expected Outcomes

• Improved Accessibility: The introductions of user-friendly features aimed to lower barriers to entry, increasing the number of users able to successfully navigate and complete the expungement process.
• Empowerment Through Education: Raising awareness about the expungement process encouraged community engagement and support, paving the way for individuals to reclaim their rights and opportunities.

Conclusion

As Expung Assist has transitioned into a full-fledged product, my contributions during the research and ideation phases were instrumental in shaping its current form. By addressing the core issues faced by the target demographic, we provided an essential solution that not only empowers individuals but also fosters social justice and equity within communities affected by the War on Drugs.