Restoration and Justice Clinic Vacates Criminal Record for Human Trafficking Client

The Restoration and Justice Clinic at Pepperdine Caruso Law helped a client who survived decades of being commercially trafficked for sex vacate her criminal record in Orange County, California. All of the client's arrests and convictions for prostitution in Orange County were vacated, which includes expungement and sealing of records. Many Restoration and Justice Clinic students have worked on the client's case over the last few years to draft her petition, negotiate with Orange County District Attorneys, and file her pleadings by mail during the pandemic.

Earlier this month the court granted her petition for vacatur relief without a hearing because it was unopposed by the prosecutors handling her case in the Sex Crimes Division of the Orange County District Attorney's Office. The client is relieved and able to pursue employment and educational opportunities as a result.

The following Caruso Law students worked on the case: Jaimie Harraka, Kallan Oliver, Briana McDaniel, Katelyn Leeviraphan, Brianne Brown, and Jiaying Li.