Drug offenses, misdemeanor; expungement of records. (HB74)
Introduced By
Del. Jeff Campbell (R-Marion) with support from co-patron Del. Sam Rasoul (D-Roanoke)
Progress
✓ |
Introduced |
✗ |
Passed Committee |
☐ |
Passed House |
☐ |
Passed Senate |
☐ |
Signed by Governor |
☐ |
Became Law |
Description
Expungement of misdemeanor drug offenses. Allows a person convicted of a first offense of possession of controlled substances or marijuana who was not afforded the opportunity to be placed on probation in lieu of a conviction to petition to have his conviction expunged after a 10-year period has expired following the conviction. Read the Bill »
Outcome
Bill Has Failed
History
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 12/07/2015 | Committee |
| 12/07/2015 | Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/13/16 16100506D |
| 12/07/2015 | Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice |
| 01/14/2016 | Assigned to sub: Subcommittee Criminal Law |
| 01/14/2016 | Assigned App. sub: Subcommittee Criminal Law |
| 01/14/2016 | Assigned Courts sub: |
| 02/02/2016 | Impact statement from DPB (HB74) |
| 02/03/2016 | Subcommittee recommends laying on the table |
| 02/16/2016 | Left in Courts of Justice |
Comments
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.
The ACLU of Virginia strongly supports this bill.