CSUB Expungement Clinic Offers Second Chances in Kern County

Cal State Bakersfield's program helps eligible residents dismiss past criminal convictions and rebuild their lives.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Cal State Bakersfield is bringing back its expungement clinic this spring, designed to help eligible Kern County residents dismiss past criminal convictions. The two-part program includes a pre-clinic on March 19 to review cases and determine eligibility, followed by a final clinic on April 24 where volunteer attorneys and CSUB legal interns assist with completing the expungement paperwork. The clinic has filed over 600 petitions for post-conviction relief, offering life-changing opportunities for participants.

Why it matters

The expungement clinic is an important community resource that helps people with past criminal convictions reintegrate into society, regain access to better job opportunities and housing, and become active participants in civic engagement. It also serves as a crime prevention measure by welcoming these individuals back into the community.

The details

The expungement clinic is open to eligible Kern County residents who have done the work to move forward. Attendees must bring their Kern County case information and a valid ID, and have all fines and fees paid. During the pre-clinic, partners from the Superior Court, Probation Department, and District Attorney's Office review cases to determine eligibility. Those who qualify then return for the final clinic where volunteer attorneys and CSUB legal interns assist with the expungement paperwork.

  • The pre-clinic will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • The final clinic will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026.

The players

Dr. Jeanine Kraybill

Director of the pre-law program at Cal State Bakersfield and organizer of the expungement clinic.

Kern County Superior Court

Partner organization that reviews cases and determines eligibility for the expungement clinic.

Kern County Probation Department

Partner organization that reviews cases and determines eligibility for the expungement clinic.

Kern County District Attorney's Office

Partner organization that reviews cases and determines eligibility for the expungement clinic.

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What they’re saying

“Our mission is to bring people back into society, so that they feel that they can be active participants in society and civic engagements. So on that level too, it's also a crime prevention measure, welcoming them back into our community.”

— Dr. Jeanine Kraybill, Director of the pre-law program at Cal State Bakersfield (turnto23.com)

“I think it really helps people to take that scarlet letter off and let them know that we want them back and engaged in the community, and that we have people who care about them and that we understand that they are just needing a second chance.”

— Dr. Jeanine Kraybill, Director of the pre-law program at Cal State Bakersfield (turnto23.com)

What’s next

Attendees must RSVP early by emailing plsi@csub.edu to secure a spot at the pre-clinic on March 19. Those who qualify at the pre-clinic will then return for the final clinic on April 24 where the expungement paperwork will be completed.

The takeaway

The CSUB expungement clinic is a vital community resource that provides a pathway for eligible individuals with past criminal convictions to rebuild their lives, regain access to opportunities, and become active members of society. By welcoming these individuals back and offering a second chance, the clinic serves as an important crime prevention measure and demonstrates the community's commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration.