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Criminal Justice Bills Focused on Expungement and Probation Move to Senate

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Kentucky is finally taking action as two bills have been approved by the House and are moving to the Senate, both of which hope to improve a long-time flaw in the U.S. criminal justice system.

The first bill would serve to incentivize those released from prison to reintegrate back into society while on probation. Those seeking a fresh start after release could get it sooner by completing specific education, skills training, work, or substance use treatment for time to be taken off their probation timeline. This would, in turn, reduce the number of citizens on parole, saving the state millions of dollars each year. Motivating those on parole to better themselves for the good of society is a very powerful move that could also lead to probation officers getting some relief on their heavy caseloads. The bill would permit someone to receive 90 days off their probation if after being released from prison they earned their GED. In addition, one day would be taken off for every 40 hours they work, if they can find steady employment. The overall goal with this bill is to reduce recidivism and give those who have been released a fair fighting chance at steady employment.

The next of the two bills moving to the Kentucky Senate is a bill that provides automatic expungement in certain cases after acquittals and dismissals with prejudice. This is where the long-time flaw in the United States criminal justice system appears. Are you aware that if someone is accused of a crime, tried in a court of law, and the case is ultimately dismissed, the charge remains on the accused’s criminal record? Innocent until proven guilty is being confirmed as a sham by those who have been proven innocent and still walk around with a messy record, only able to be expunged by pleas and hefty legal fees. The bill would make certain that individuals don’t end up with a record if they aren’t guilty.

Kentucky is taking the right steps to start improving its criminal justice system, and we hope the Senate passes both bills when they come to committee. If you won’t benefit from Kentucky’s new bills upon passing, don’t worry, because Easy Expunctions offers a free record check to get you started. Take matters into your own hands at www.easyexpunctions.com.

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Collateral Consequences

New Study Emphasizes Need for Criminal Justice Reform

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Your criminal record can follow you anywhere you go. A simple mistake can take a lot of time, money, and paperwork to get erased from your record. A shoplifting charge can stop you from finding a job, getting into a good school, or qualifying for an apartment. Many people have made mistakes and paid their debt to society and yet are still overshadowed by a negative stigma that can be hard to move past. There are currently five states that make it extra difficult to clear your record and get a fresh start, including New York, Louisiana, Iowa, Tennessee, and South Dakota.

New York is the most difficult state to obtain a clean record by requiring a 10-year waiting period after the completion of incarceration and payment of fines before applying. The fee is only $5-$10, but the 10-year waiting period makes it the most difficult because your life is essentially on hold for 10 years as you await a clean record. Coming in second is Louisiana—there’s a 5-year waiting period and a $550 fee to clear your record. Iowa is next in line for the most difficult state to obtain a clean record by requiring an 8-year waiting period and a $185 fee, although the 8-year period begins at the point of conviction, not after the applicant has been released and paid fines. Tennessee is number 4 on the difficulty list by having a 5-year wait time after all terms of sentencing have been satisfied and a $350 fee. The last of all states is South Dakota. South Dakota requires a 10-year wait but if after 10 years a person is convicted of no other crimes, their record will be automatically expunged, with no need to apply or pay a fee.

There are far too many hoops to jump through in the 5 states that we discussed. The fact of the matter is too many people have misdemeanors and are unable to eradicate them. A misdemeanor offense can put your life on hold and we need criminal justice reform now more than ever. At Easy Expunctions, we offer multiple record clearing packages that can help get your life back on track. Start with a free background check and see what criminal charges could be holding you back. Easy Expunctions is an affordable, record-clearing service that can save you time and money. See what you qualify for today and take the first step towards a better life.

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