STATE OF VERMONT
SUPERIOR COURT – CRIMINAL DIVISION
Bennington Unit
Docket No: 1127-10-13 Bncr
In re: Justin-Ames Gamache
Petition for Expungement and Declaration of Need for Relief from Persecution
I, Justin-Ames Gamache, respectfully submit this Petition for Expungement under 13 V.S.A. §§ 7602 and 7606, accompanied by this declaration of need for protection from continued harm and persecution resulting from the unjust and outdated retention of a nonviolent misdemeanor record.
I. Background and Legal Context
I was convicted in 2013 of a single nonviolent misdemeanor under 13 V.S.A. § 3002 (Impersonation of Officer). No additional charges were filed. The sentence was fully suspended, and I served no jail time. I completed all terms and conditions of the sentence in 2014, and have remained law-abiding and conviction-free since.
II. Grounds for Expungement
This petition meets all criteria under 13 V.S.A. § 7602(c):
- More than ten years have passed since completion of sentence.
- No felony convictions in the last seven years.
- No misdemeanor convictions in the last five years.
- All restitution and surcharges have been paid.
- Expungement serves the interests of justice.
Further, the offense is not a predicate offense, as defined in 13 V.S.A. § 7601(3), nor is it excluded under § 7601(4). Any previous designation to the contrary was legal error, now clarified through State v. Justin A. Gamache, Docket No. 23-AP-019, where the Vermont Supreme Court acknowledged grounds for reconsideration.
III. Declaration of Continued Harm and Persecution
Despite full rehabilitation, I continue to suffer material and reputational harm due to this minor record:
- Discrimination in employment opportunities.
- Difficulty securing housing and professional advancement.
- Psychological distress and social stigma based on a record not representative of my present character.
This continued hardship constitutes a form of civil persecution and prolonged punishment beyond the scope of law. The existence of the record imposes disproportionate barriers on my reintegration, violates the spirit of Vermont’s restorative justice goals, and subjects me to continued ostracization and denial of dignity.
IV. Interest of Justice
Vermont law recognizes the importance of giving people a second chance, particularly when:
- The offense was nonviolent.
- The petitioner has exhibited sustained rehabilitation.
- The criminal record causes unjustified hardship.
This expungement not only complies with statute but also protects me from ongoing social persecution and serves to restore fundamental rights and dignity.
V. Relief Requested
I respectfully request that this Court:
1. Grant this Petition for Expungement under 13 V.S.A. § 7606.
2. Issue an Order of Expungement, directing all court, law enforcement, and third-party entities to remove and seal this record.
3. Recognize the broader protective purpose of this petition in preventing further persecution and civil harm.

Submitted Respectfully,
Date: March 19, 2025
Justin-Ames Gamache
justinamesgamacheexpunged@hushmydata.com