Police and court records; expungement of certain misdemeanors. (HB934)

Introduced By

Del. Betsy Carr (D-Richmond)

Progress

Introduced
Passed Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Signed by Governor
Became Law

Description

Expungement of certain misdemeanors. Allows a person convicted of certain misdemeanors who has successfully completed all terms of probation to file a petition for expungement 10 years after the conviction if he has not been convicted of any other offense. DUI, child abuse or neglect, domestic violence, sex offenses, and crimes against persons do not qualify for expungement. Any conviction that is expunged will be considered a prior conviction for purposes of prosecution of any subsequent offense for which the prior conviction statutorily enhances punishment. Read the Bill »

Outcome

Bill Has Failed

History

DateAction
01/12/2016Committee
01/12/2016Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/13/16 16101747D
01/12/2016Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
01/19/2016Assigned to sub: Criminal Law
01/19/2016Assigned App. sub: Criminal Law
01/19/2016Assigned Courts sub: Criminal Law
01/25/2016Subcommittee recommends laying on the table
02/16/2016Left in Courts of Justice

Comments

ACLU-VA Criminal Justice, tracking this bill in Photosynthesis, notes:

The ACLU of Virginia strongly supports this bill. Expungement offers offenders a second chance at life by removing old convictions from the public record. Youthful indiscretions are common but can have a lasting impact. Technology has made it easier to find criminal records online, exacerbating the consequences of criminal convictions. We also know that finding suitable employment reduces the likelihood that ex-offenders will commit new crimes. Expungement gives ex-offenders a better chance to find a job. The ACLU of Virginia supports legislation that gives ex-offenders a second chance.

ACLU-VA Legislative Agenda, tracking this bill in Photosynthesis, notes:

The ACLU of Virginia strongly supports this bill. Expungement offers offenders a second chance at life by removing old convictions from the public record. Youthful indiscretions are common but can have a lasting impact. Technology has made it easier to find criminal records online, exacerbating the consequences of criminal convictions. We also know that finding suitable employment reduces the likelihood that ex-offenders will commit new crimes. Expungement gives ex-offenders a better chance to find a job. The ACLU of Virginia supports legislation that gives ex-offenders a second chance.