Salem’s new expungement clinic can clear criminal history and unlock access to jobs, homes

Around 30 people stood outside a downtown Salem law office on a recent Friday afternoon waiting for the chance to clear their criminal records.

It was the first time the Public Defender of Marion County’s office held an expungement clinic, a low-cost event helping people clear certain eligible crimes from their criminal history. It’s a process that could otherwise cost hundreds of dollars or have complicated hurdles.

For four hours on Aug. 15, attorneys met…