The bill amends Section 12-1.3-2 of the General Laws regarding the expungement of criminal records. It allows individuals convicted of misdemeanors to file for expungement five years after the imposition of their sentence, and individuals convicted of felonies to file for expungement ten years after the imposition of their sentence. If the felony sentence is greater than ten years, the individual may file for expungement upon successful completion of their sentence.

The bill specifies that first offenders are eligible to seek expungement, while individuals convicted of violent crimes are ineligible. Additionally, individuals with multiple misdemeanor convictions (between one and five) who have not been convicted of a felony can also seek expungement.

The bill introduces provisions for the expungement of records related to deferred sentences upon their completion and allows for the expungement of records for offenses that have been decriminalized since the conviction. Notably, the language changes include replacing "completion" with "imposition" of the sentence in the context of filing for expungement. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2983: 12-1.3-2