Eighteen years sober, the grandmother wearing the stylish flat cap had a rap sheet from her younger days, a past that didn’t reflect who she is now. She saw on the LA County Channel a video about record-clearing events and took action.

Standing in front of the LA County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner, a group of paralegals donned blue latex gloves and paper booties over their shoes. They held face masks they would slip on once inside.