Police and court records; expungement of certain misdemeanor drug offenses. (HB996)
Introduced By
Del. Mark Levine (D-Alexandria)
Progress
✓ |
Introduced |
✗ |
Passed Committee |
☐ |
Passed House |
☐ |
Passed Senate |
☐ |
Signed by Governor |
☐ |
Became Law |
Description
Expungement of certain misdemeanor drug offenses. Allows a person convicted of a misdemeanor offense of possession of a controlled substance or marijuana, or charged with such an offense which charge was deferred and dismissed, who has successfully completed all terms of probation to file a petition for expungement one year after the completion of such terms if he has not been convicted of any offense involving violence. 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
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 01/13/2016 | Committee |
| 01/13/2016 | Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/13/16 16102851D |
| 01/13/2016 | Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice |
| 01/19/2016 | Assigned to sub: Criminal Law |
| 01/19/2016 | Assigned App. sub: Criminal Law |
| 01/19/2016 | Assigned Courts sub: Criminal Law |
| 01/25/2016 | 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. 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.