In this conversation, Michael Hoffman shares his journey from a chemistry background to becoming a licensed patent attorney and a prominent figure in the cannabis and expungement legal space.
He discusses the challenges and importance of expungement in addressing the injustices of the war on drugs, the complexities of cannabis-related legal issues, and his commitment to helping individuals clear their records.
The conversation also touches on the systemic challenges within the expungement process and the personal motivations driving his work.
takeaways
Michael Hoffman transitioned from chemistry to law, focusing on cannabis-related legal issues.
He emphasizes the importance of expungement in rectifying past injustices from the war on drugs.
Hoffman highlights the lack of clear metrics for cannabis impairment compared to alcohol.
He advocates for measurable social equity through expungement efforts.
The expungement process faces significant bureaucratic challenges and backlogs.
Hoffman believes that justice delayed is justice denied, stressing the need for timely responses in expungement cases.
He shares personal anecdotes about his family's influence on his career and values.
Hoffman aims to help individuals move past their criminal records and rebuild their lives.
He discusses the need for better resource allocation in prosecutor's offices to handle expungements.
Hoffman expresses pride in his community and commitment to making a difference locally.
Sound Bites
"I’m a licensed patent attorney."
"Justice delayed is justice denied."
"I want to make a difference."