Residents of Compton and Neighboring Cities Received Expungements, Mental Health Resources, and Job Opportunities

On Friday, June 21, Los Angeles County Public Defender partnered with City of Compton Mayor Emma Sharif to host a Juneteenth Freedom Day Expungement Event at the Dollarhide Community Center.

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and marks the day in 1865 when the end of the Civil War and the abolition of slavery was announced in Texas. This community event was held to honor the spirit of freedom and restoration of rights that Juneteenth represents.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Compton Mayor’s Office to provide much-needed expungements for individuals, giving them an opportunity to be free from the criminal legal system,” said Los Angeles County Public Defender Ricardo García. “We recognize that the legacy of systemic racism continues to impact our communities to this day, and that the criminal legal system is a vestige of our biased history. Clearing these records is not just about erasing past mistakes; it is about restoring dignity and opening doors to opportunity.”

“It is an honor to partner with the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office to provide expungements to our community as they give individuals a clean slate and the peace of mind to better their lives,” said Compton Mayor Emma Sharif. “This event signifies the hope that Juneteenth represents and allows us the opportunity to witness how providing mental health services, job opportunities, and expungements contribute to a better future.”

The event featured a keynote speaker, Tim Simmons, from Black Ink Crew Compton as well as valuable resources from vendors such as the Department of Mental Health, Partners for Justice, Chrysalis, Master Trucking Company, Measure of Heart Foundations, Los Angeles Dependency Lawyers, Step with Faith Women’s Sober Living, Chosen 2 Trucking School, and Western States Carpenters Union Local 323.

For more information on record clearing service available through the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office, contact (213) 603-7271.