Vermont is displaying a precedent of forgiveness towards its citizens with a recent decision to update Section 7, expanding expunction eligibility for certain offenses. Under the new version of S.7, Vermonters convicted of driving violations such as driving without a license, operating without insurance, and driving an unregistered vehicle now meet the state’s expunction eligibility requirements.

The Joint Legislative Justice Oversight Committee is in the process of reviewing and considering new ways of simplifying and automating the expunction process, which will ideally increase the rate of expunction as a whole. The state is also discussing the possibility of allowing most criminal convictions to qualify for expunction, with the obvious exceptions of murder and aggregated assault.

The decision to expand expunction eligibility is not only reasonable but an ethically correct thing to do. The belief that those with criminal records are more likely to commit crimes than those without has stigmatized a significant population of rehabilitated citizens for decades, and the ideas in discussion intend to put an end to this detrimental myth. A statement made by Sen. Dick Sears (D) – Bennington supports this notion:

“What we know is that many people commit crimes and after about 5 to 7 years after they’ve completed all the requirements of the sentence they’re no more likely to commit a crime than anyone in the general population”

By expanding expunction eligibility and simplifying the process, Vermont demonstrates a greater understanding of its people, and any further actions taken to assist deserving Vermonters in pursuing their life of choice will benefit the state both socially and economically.

Don’t just hope for greater opportunities, take action into your own hands with record-clearing technology from Easy Expunctions. For more information about our expunction packages, visit our website at EasyExpunctions.com or give us a call at (866) 775-9983.

Arizona’s Proposition 207, which passed last November, legalized the recreational use of marijuana for adults in the state. The legislation, also known as the Smart and Safe Act, passed with 60% of the vote. In addition to legalizing recreational marijuana, the Prop allows individuals previously convicted of possessing less than an ounce of marijuana, cannabis paraphernalia, or a maximum of six marijuana plants to petition for an expungement of their record.

On July 12th, those Arizonians with minor marijuana possession convictions were finally able to begin applying to have their records cleared. Arizona is one of the country’s most incarcerated states, with many citizens holding criminal records related to marijuana. The Smart and Safe Act can help people carrying prior marijuana charges who have difficulty securing jobs and housing by giving them a second chance.

As part of the new expungement process, the Maricopa County Attorney will assist people previously convicted of minor marijuana possession by filing a stipulated motion to expunge their conviction or adjudication.
The goal is to ensure individuals can apply without paying fees or hiring an attorney. Thus far, Maricopa County has received more than 125 requests for expungement, of which 91% were granted.

Although many states are beginning to assist those with prior marijuana charges, the weight of such convictions can be devastating for people who cannot access help. Thankfully, clearing your record can be quick and easy with Easy Expunctions. Contact our experts to find out how we can restore your freedom!

On July 29, 2021, the amended “Ban the Box” law known as the Fair Chance Act took effect in New York City, expanding protections for job applicants by prohibiting discrimination based on arrest records, pending criminal accusations, or criminal convictions. By adding unsealed violations to the list of dispositions, this bill extends employment protections to individuals with pending adjournments as well as convictions for offenses prior to sealing.

According to the National Employment Law Project (NELP), 36 states and 150 cities and counties banned criminal record boxes on job applications. Removing criminal background questions gives individuals the opportunity to pursue employment without prejudice of past convictions. The Fair Chance Act requires employers to make an individualized assessment of the connection between the criminal charge and the job. Under the new law, an employer who revokes a conditional job offer must demonstrate the applicant’s criminal history was not a factor in the decision.

Having a criminal history while job hunting can be discouraging. Although many places have banned criminal background questions from job applications, a criminal record can be an added barrier to finding employment. Easy Expunctions can bring you an equal opportunity when applying to jobs by clearing your history. Contact our experts at EasyExpunctions.com for more information!

The North Californian city of Arcata is the latest to present a resolution to decriminalize entheogenic substances. Councilmember Sarah Schaefer is the leader of the legislation, which would essentially place enforcement of laws against psychedelics in the lowest of the police force’s priorities. A press release states:

“The resolution to decriminalize entheogens in Arcata would establish that the investigation and arrest of persons for planting, cultivating, engaging in practices with, or possessing entheogenic plants and fungi or plant compounds shall be the lowest law enforcement priority for the City of Arcata and reprioritizing funding away from the arrest of individuals engaging with entheogenic practices. The City of Arcata has many other priorities for the use of its funds, staff, and law enforcement resources.”

Though the move is in its beginning stages, it’s a promising measure that reflects society’s changing views on banned substances that could have beneficial properties. The press release cited medicinal properties as well as the failed war on drugs in their decision to introduce the resolution:

“The decriminalization of entheogenic plants and fungi is an important step away from the war on drugs while expanding opportunities for research on the medicinal benefits of these plants and fungi. Research shows that these plants have the potential to help overcome anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and so much more, something that could be enormously beneficial to any community” said Sarah Schaefer, Arcata City Council Member.”

If passed, Arcata would join Oakland and Santa Cruz as the third California city to enact reform over psychedelics. California as a whole has a different psychedelic legalization bill in the works.

If you have a drug charge that is limiting your ability to find a good job or new housing, we may be able to help. We believe that your record doesn’t define you, and certainly shouldn’t hinder your success. Reach out to the experts at Easy Expunctions to see if we can help scrub a drug charge or conviction from your record so that you can take advantage of new opportunities without the barrier of a criminal record weighing you down.

With the highest filing fees in the country, it is not surprising that 80% of Louisianans with criminal records eligible for expungement do not take advantage of it. Those fortunate enough to afford the payment of $550 per arrest or conviction may lose the nonrefundable fee during the complicated expungement process. Many hire attorneys to help, adding more costs to the already heavy financial burden.

The Louisiana House Bill 604 aimed to address issues in the state’s expungement process. Instead of having the burden fall on expungement seekers, the state would automatically clear criminal records that meet the requirements for eligibility after waiting periods already specified in the new law. Despite a two-year effort to put together House Bill 604 and support from many lawmakers, the Louisiana Senate Finance Committee placed the measure on hold before voting.

Opposition from the State Police was the primary reason the bill did not advance. The agency insisted an automated expungement system would be too costly for the Legislature’s budget. Citing financial concerns was not the only instance of the State Police expressing resistance to the proposed expungement plan. Last fall, State Police failed to supply requested data to an expungement task force and Code for America, a nonprofit offering to assist with the technology component of implementing the automated criminal record clearing system.

Although many agree a reformed expunging process would be pricey, next year’s budget with an estimated $17 million in unallocated funding could have easily absorbed the entire cost. Louisiana is one of the most incarcerated states in the country. Creating a more affordable and accessible expungement law in the state could help thousands of Louisiana residents remove criminal records that prevent them from pursuing education, finding housing, and higher-paying jobs.

Criminal records can be a life sentence for many. Easy Expunctions offers easy and affordable record clearing so you can enjoy life with a newfound freedom. Sign up to receive a free background report at easyexpunctions.com to get the ball rolling toward your fresh start!

Thoug Senate Bill 274 received nearly unanimous approval in both the Republican-led House and Senate, Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed the bill on June 29th in a move that surprised many lawmakers. The proposed measure offered the state’s minors with a history of arrests the chance to have their criminal records erased upon completing a behavioral program. Tens of thousands of Florida minors would have benefitted from the bill.

In a letter, Gov. Ron DeSantis cited the most severe felony cases as the reason for his decision despite the expunction measure passing through the legislative process with few challenges. The Governor’s veto comes a day after attending the Florida Police Chiefs Association’s conference, which opposed the measure. Although minors with felonies could also have taken part in the program, the state attorneys and law enforcement officials handling the case could deny juveniles the opportunity to participate at their discretion.

Without expunction, a criminal background makes finding housing, employment, and pursuing education more difficult for individuals. The program would have given an estimated 27,000 minors a second chance at a better future. Lawmakers in Florida plan to address the Governor’s concerns with Senate Bill 274 and file a new bill next year in hopes of offering the state’s minors the life-changing opportunity to erase their criminal records.

A criminal record can haunt you for years, even decades, making it harder for you to move on with your life. We believe everyone deserves a better tomorrow. Contact the experts at Easy Expunctions to see how you can begin your journey toward a fresh start today.

According to a new survey performed by the University of Texas and the Texas Tribune, 87 percent of Texas voters favor legalizing the use of marijuana. The figures from the poll are comparable to those of a survey conducted by the organizations in February 2021. Still, the results had dramatically changed within the last decade when more than twice as many people favored criminalizing marijuana. Ten years ago, only 42 percent of respondents supported legalizing marijuana for any purpose.

Respondents had the option of selecting one of four cannabis policies in the survey released by the University of Texas. The four options were: possession of any amount of marijuana should be legal for any purpose, possession of small amounts of marijuana should be legal for any purpose, marijuana should be legal for medical use only, or possession of marijuana should not be legal under any circumstance. A total of 60 percent of respondents from the new poll supported decriminalizing marijuana for any purpose, with the voters divided nearly evenly on the issue of possession limits. Only 27 percent thought marijuana should be legal only for medical purposes.

As shown in the demographic breakdown of the survey responses, most respondents support some form of legalization no matter their political affiliation. Those in the 18-29 age range are most likely to support legalization, with 51 percent saying possession of any amount of marijuana should be legal for any purpose, and only 4 percent choosing possession should be illegal under any circumstance.

Marijuana possession charges can make it difficult for people to find housing, jobs, or pursue higher education. However, reforming the state’s cannabis policies and removing marijuana possession charges from records can free many Texans from the stigma that comes with a criminal record. Although the majority of Texans support decriminalization, according to the survey, little has been done by the state to further the legalization of marijuana.

Though the House passed a decriminalization bill for cannabis in 2019, the bill did not advance in the Senate. On the other hand, bills aimed at reducing marijuana penalties, revising the state’s hemp program, and decriminalizing marijuana possession advanced this year. Still, the bills failed to become law before the session ended.

Possessing marijuana remains illegal in many states, and having a possession charge can make planning your future feel overwhelming and even impossible. At Easy Expunctions, we believe in second chances. Our experts can help clear your record and change your life. Sign up for a free background report on our website so we can determine what’s on your record and what we can eliminate with our fast and affordable software!

Beginning January 1, 2022, state university and college applications in Virginia will become a little less intimidating for many potential students. The new House Bill 1930 signed by Governor Ralph Northam prohibits Virginia-based colleges from including a criminal background checkbox on applications. Witnessed by prospective college students at Dinwiddie High School, Gov. Northam signed the bill Thursday, June 3, 2021.

Until now, Virginia college applicants were required to check the criminal history box no matter the severity of the offense. The new legislation will ensure future students are no longer obligated to disclose their criminal records for minor traffic violations such as speeding and parking tickets or convictions during the college application process.

Many individuals found the inclusion of the criminal history questions to be discouraging. By removing this barrier, applicants are given the opportunity to seek higher education without fear of being denied access based solely on criminal background.

Although House Bill 1930 prohibits public colleges and universities in Virginia from denying admission based on criminal history, the institutions can refuse individuals who have yet to enroll or withdraw admission offers from students deemed a threat to the community. The Virginia Military Institute and law schools are excluded from the bill.

Your past shouldn’t impede your academic ambitions. If you are planning to pursue higher education, a clear criminal record can help you get there. Easy Expunctions can bring you an equal opportunity when applying to jobs or colleges. Contact our experts at EasyExpunctions.com for more information.

Criminal convictions can pose a threat to finding housing for many renters. Fortunately, wiith the new Fair Chance in Housing Act, New Jersey renters can rest assured landlords will no longer be able to ask criminal history questions on rental applications. The bill was signed by Governor Phil Murphy on June 18th, and is said to be one of the most sweeping bills of its kind in the nation.

Removing criminal background questions from applications allow renters to receive access to housing without discrimination due to a former conviction. Landlords will only be allowed to run a background check after the application is approved and a conditional offer has been made to the renter. If a criminal offense is found, the landlord can withdraw their approval.

The Fair Chance in Housing Act encourages landlords to consider the nature of the offense and the length of time passed before denying housing to renters with convictions. If a landlord decides to withdraw an application, the New Jersey law requires the landlord to provide a written explanation. The tenant will also be given a chance to appeal the withdrawal and file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office if they have experienced discrimination.

A past conviction doesn’t have to stand between you and your future home. If you are a renter, a clear record can allow you to seek housing without the disadvantage of a criminal record. Visit our website at EasyExpunctions.com to learn more about the packages we offer that can secure you a fresh start!

The city of New York is considering a piece of legislation that would prohibit landlords and brokers from denying housing based on a prospective tenant’s criminal record. The legislation under discussion, named The Fair Chance for Housing Act (Int. No. 2047), intends to relieve ex-offenders and their families from the stress of finding stable housing, a necessity that every human should have a right to.

Shelter is a physiological need that must be met in order to grow and succeed in all aspects of life. Denying housing based on an individual’s past mistake fuels our nation’s cycle of homelessness, poverty, and incarceration. It’s unrealistic to expect ex-offenders to find employment without a stable home to shower, cook, and rest. If an individual cannot fulfill these basic needs they will remain stagnant, and so will their families.

New York City often sets a standard for other cities to follow. While NYC evaluates this legislation, other states are watching, listening, and evaluating as well. Empathy is not a progressive fantasy, empathy is realistic. Americans are beginning to recognize the Criminal Justice System’s tendency to treat ex-offenders as second-class citizens, and if our nation continues to ignore pleads for greater fairness, fairness will be demanded.

You deserve to pursue the life of your choice. Stop waiting for a second chance and take action into your own hands with easy and affordable record-clearing technology from Easy Expunctions. For more information, give us a call at (866) 775-9983 or visit our website at EasyExpunctions.com.