Setting Aside Conviction Project

A helping hand for a complex procedure

Vision

An arrest or conviction on your public record has a major impact on employment, housing, and more. Setting aside a conviction and sealing the records allows for a brighter future, but the process is lengthy and complicated.

The Oregon Judicial Department is able to provide information, but not outright guidance, as that counts as legal advice. It’s possible to file a motion to set aside conviction without a lawyer, but requires sifting through dense, confusing information and meeting strict requirements.

How could we help people get through the process with more ease and support, even without a lawyer?

Portland State University Applied Linguistics students tackled this issue with the following goals:

Create a visual flowchart to help people understand which “Set Aside” Packet they need to fill out
Make easily readable guides to help people follow the steps of each packet
Raise awareness that setting aside conviction and arrest records is an option

Doers

Students of PSU’s Applied Linguistics Department worked under the guidance of Janet Cowal, Oregon Judicial Department officials, and Clatsop County employees.

Process

These projects used knowledge of Federal Plain Language guidelines, language simplification tools like HemingwayApp, and graphic design principles informed by Universal Design for learning.

finish line, and Beyond

Below are the finished student projects designed to help people navigate the process of expunging a conviction from their record:

Which packet do you need? infographic:

A2J Overview infographic rev3 Download

Packet A Support

Activist Applied Linguistics