The bill amends Section 12-1.3-2 of the General Laws regarding the expungement of criminal records. It allows individuals convicted of a single misdemeanor to file for expungement after three years from the completion of their sentence, and for felony convictions or multiple misdemeanors (fewer than six) after five years. The bill specifies that individuals convicted of violent crimes are ineligible for expungement. Additionally, it clarifies that individuals may file for expungement of records related to deferred sentences upon completion, and it allows for expungement of records for offenses that have been decriminalized after the conviction. The proposed changes aim to streamline the expungement process and provide more opportunities for individuals to clear their criminal records after the specified waiting periods. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5441: 12-1.3-2