Let’s hear it for Birmingham mayor Randall Woodfin, who has announced blanket pardons for over 15,000 Alabamians. The pardons will be applied to misdemeanor marijuana convictions dating back to 1990 and will serve to free these individuals from the limitations that come with a criminal record.

In 2019, Woodfin created his Pardons for Progress program, which he hoped would make it easier for those who have been convicted of marijuana possession to find legitimate employment without the stigma of a criminal record. Woodfin has made meaningful progress towards that goal with his new pardons. Speaking about those affected by criminal records, he noted:

“They deserve a chance to be part of our workforce, to provide for their families, and to achieve success on their own. That new life starts rights here, today, with forgiveness and redemption.”

Though marijuana is still illegal in Alabama, Woodfin has continuously pushed for recreational legalization. His campaign website currently hosts a petition asking the state government for decriminalization. A bipartisan bill allowing for medical marijuana is currently in the Alabama legislature.

We applaud Mayor Woodfin for his work in helping Alabamians receive a second chance. If you think you could benefit from a clean record, we’re here to help. Reach out to Easy Expunctions and get started with a background report to help us determine what shows up on your record, and what could be erased with our software. It’s never too late for a fresh start, and we’re here to help make it happen.

Cannabis laws have perpetrated a war on BIPOC communities for the purpose of profit. Illinois Lawmakers demonstrate an eagerness to put an end to the hypocrisy with the proposal of House Bill 3085, a law that would automatically legalize all cannabis possession laws.

The cannabis industry rakes in millions every year, yet consumers still face penalties for possessing over 30 grams of flower. The new law would remove limitations on how much marijuana can be possessed at a time, which only makes sense given that recreational dispensaries are legally allowed to sell however much they please. Illinois dispensary owners are majority white, a fact that directly aligns with the widely held belief that marijuana laws are implemented to benefit the white community, while simultaneously restricting minority as well as lower-class communities.

It’s refreshing to see lawmakers acknowledge a systemic issue that’s been ignored for the sake of revenue. Cannabis laws and their enforcers not only target BIPOC communities at higher rates, convictions and arrests narrow housing and employment opportunities, creating unnecessary hardships for deserving families across the nation. If your criminal record is keeping you from pursuing the life of your choice, Easy Expunctions can help put your future back into your own hands. Give us a call at (877) 959-4083 for more information regarding an easy and affordable record-clearing process.

Another state seeks to put an end to our nation’s faulty drug policies. New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham recently signed two bills that will legalize recreational marijuana in the state, as well as expunge certain marijuana-related offenses. Under new laws, individuals 21+ are able to possess up to two ounces of marijuana, and newly legal cannabis-related offenses will be subject to automatic expungement.

The United States is running out of logical reasons for enforcing outdated Marijuana laws. Not only would legalization decrease crime rates, the cannabis industry currently drives mass amounts of profits in legal states. More importantly, the prohibition of cannabis makes it easier for law enforcers to disproportionately target minority communities, which contributes to devastating issues concerning systemic racism in America.

Individuals living in illegal states suffer unreasonable consequences for marijuana offenses, while dispensary owners in California, Colorado, etc. rake in millions for the same ‘crime.’ This nationwide inconsistency represents a deep unfairness amongst American citizens. Those facing limited employment and housing opportunities due to previous marijuana-related offenses suffer from only one mistake—being in the wrong state at the wrong time. New Mexico’s decision to automatically expunge newly legal cannabis-related charges provides deserving New Mexicans with greater opportunities and hope for a better future.

If a previous arrest or conviction is placing limits on your life, it’s time to take your future back into your own hands. Easy Expunctions offers a headache-free expunction process, without emptying your wallet. For more information regarding a clean criminal record, get in touch with us at (877) 795-3149 or visit our website at EasyExpunctions.com.

A major victory has taken place this year for Marijuana-involved Vermonters. The State’s Governor Phil Scott approved S.234 in October, a bill that will automatically expunge minor pot-related offenses from an individual’s criminal record by the end of 2021. The new law decriminalizes anything less than 2 ounces and allows individuals with previous marijuana charges to legally deny their record’s existence when applying for employment, housing, or a license, relieving thousands of the burden of their criminal record.

Marijuana is a thriving industry in legal states. The notion that people should continue to receive punishments for recreational marijuana use is absurd, as nearly half of the nation already voted to decriminalize it. Still, Marjuana is both illegal and criminalized in many states, often resulting in high fines and skewed sentences toward minorities. By automatically expunging minor pot-related offenses, Vermont is providing their residents with greater opportunities for equality and advancement. Hopefully other states will acknowledge the law’s benefits and follow in Vermont’s footsteps.

Everyone deserves to move forward. Free yourself from your criminal record with easy and affordable record-clearing packages from Easy Expunctions. Start your expunction process today by visiting our website at EasyExpunctions.com or contacting us at (877) 959-4083.

As federal legalization stalls, it’s refreshing to see tolerance occur on smaller levels throughout the country. Eli Savit, the prosecutor for Washtenaw County, Michigan, has announced that his office will no longer charge people for low-level drug use, possession, or distribution that involves marijuana or magic mushrooms.

Additionally, Savit’s office will support expunctions for those who have acquired charges for the substances in the past. The newly elected official cites the war on drugs as a driving force behind the new policy. In a statement, Savit clarified his decision by noting:

“Many of us know people who have used substances like marijuana or psychedelics without facing criminal consequences. We should no longer continue to perpetuate the cruel roulette wheel that imposes criminal consequences only on an unlucky few. Equally important is that we allow those with old convictions to get their lives back on track. A criminal conviction can impact a person’s ability to get a job, obtain housing, or continue their education.”

Though marijuana is legal in the state, citizens are still able to be charged for carrying “too much” marijuana. It’s also worth noting that the proposition that passed legalization does not provide automatic expunctions for marijuana-related charges. Savit is taking steps to right the wrongs of the war on drugs and its disproportionate targeting of minorities who have a difficult time overcoming the obstacles of a criminal record.

Washtenaw County is home to Ann Arbor, the 4th biggest city in the state and home to the University of Michigan, which encourages a bustling local economy. We’re happy and hopeful to see small scale progression toward criminal justice reform. If you’re still struggling to get a job because of a past drug charge, we might be able to help you get on the path to a clean record. Get in touch with us to see if your arrest, charge, or conviction is eligible for expunction!

Virginia has taken the lead as the first southern state to legalize marijuana. Recently, Virginia lawmakers enacted the legalization law which allows adults 21 and over to use and grow marijuana starting in July. The state also plans to launch a legal and regulated market beginning in 2024. Additionally, the law creates an opportunity for people with convictions of past marijuana possession to lower their penalties or have their records sealed. Revenue from the new excise tax on marijuana will go to education programs, addiction treatment, public health services, and equity initiatives.

Many support the new legislation because it will eliminate the harmful effects of the war on drugs and marijuana prohibition. These effects include thousands of arrests, racial disparity, millions of dollars in the black market for illicit drugs, and violent operations. Supporters argue against the claims of health effects by noting that the end to marijuana prohibition outweighs the potential adverse effects of marijuana use.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Norham publicly backed marijuana legalization last November, and after a few months of back-and-forth, Virginia finally passed the legislation. This was a remarkably quick turnaround in comparison to other states like New York and New Jersey who battled for legalization for a few years. With Virginia’s new law, a total of 16 states and Washington D.C. have all legalized marijuana.

If you have a charge and you live in a state that has yet to legalize marijuana and/or provide methods of erasing old records, you should reach out to the friendly faces at Easy Expunctions. Our record-clearing software works quickly and efficiently, and at a much lower cost than a traditional lawyer. We want to give you a second chance to thrive without the weight of a criminal record—get in touch with us to see if we can help you get the fresh start you deserve.