“Sharon Dietrich and I explained in a recent Center for American Progress report, cleaning up a criminal record is one of the most powerful tools for overcoming the barriers associated with a criminal record. While state laws vary a great deal, the vast majority of states have “expungement” or “sealing” mechanisms to allow people to put their criminal records behind them.”
I think this is TERRIBLE idea if the record involves rape, murder, or any violent crime.
Since I gave up TV more than 8 years ago, sometimes I watch “Forensic Files” on You Tube. What astounds me is how many rapists-murderers had earlier convictions and served ridiculously short sentences. Many in for murder (perhaps written down to Manslaughter, particularly if it’s actually woman-slaughter) serve less time than persons in for recreational drug use.
How many pedophiles get out of jail and do IT all over again? How many rapists?
There are very real serial offenders; and there’s also a world of difference between the person with a few traffic violations or pot possession charges and persons who are a continued THREAT to society.
If such a bill doesn’t make that distinction, it’s SICK and disturbing.