2023-2024 HPRP Speaker Series: Cannabis Expungement Panel

The second installment of the Homeless Persons Representation Project's (HPRP's) 2023-2024 Speaker Series, shining a spotlight on the collaborative efforts of eight organizations working together to raise awareness and provide critical information about the expungement process for cannabis-related offenses. This remote program provides valuable insights into the crucial work of each organization participating in this education and outreach campaign, which is made possible by a grant from the Maryland Legal Services Corporation (MLSC). Representatives from the eight organizations (Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service, Community Legal Services of Prince George County, Harford County Bar Foundation, FreeState Justice, Maryland Legal Aid, Shore Legal Access, Allegany Law Foundation and Homeless Persons Representation Project) take the virtual stage to share their work and role within the grant. Given the event's timing during the Maryland legislative session, topics extend to specific legislative actions the organizations are anticipating, potential pending bills, and the kind of support and actions attendees can contribute. Speakers: Kirsten Gettys Downs, Homeless Persons Representation Project Executive Director Kaylin Williams, Homeless Persons Representation Project Multimedia Project Manager of the Cannabis Expungement Outreach and Education Project Chris Sweeney, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service Workforce Development Manager O.T. Walker, Community Legal Services of Prince George's County Attorney and Legal Advocate Lauren Pruitt, FreeState Justice Legal Director Laura Chafey, Shore Legal Access Legal Director Meaghan McDermott, Maryland Legal Aid Chief Attorney for the Community Lawyering Initiative Jen Vido, Harford County Bar Association Executive Director Recorded on February 20, 2024