I would like to propose that Maine consider legislation that allows expungement for non-conviction arrests the next time they are session.

Criminal justice reform is a topic that many states are looking at from sentencing guidelines, to collateral consequences.

Yet, there are many points in defense to presenting something of this caliber.

·         There is already a Maine statute for individuals to be pardoned of convictions. (Disconcerting that there is nothing for people who haven’t been convicted)

·          A 2013 NELP report shows that 600,000 Americans may be unfairly kept from a job due to faulty FBI records – such as missing final disposition. (Maine’s SBI database is directly connected to the FBI)

·         Something similar titled the REDEEM ACT was introduced to congress last year– which would allow nonviolent convictions to be sealed.

·         Collateral Consequences -  an arrest record, even without a conviction, can be a lifelong barrier to employment, school and other life activities.

·          It could also generate revenue. Many states that have such a process, charge upwards of $100.00 - $400.00 for an expungment to be filed for each charge.

 Many people in Maine with convictions are given second chances. Yet people who have been arrested with no conviction are sometimes overlooked for jobs, as there is usually a missing final disposition due to faulty records or the stigma of having an arrest record even when that individual was found innocent in the eyes of the judicial system.

It just stands to reason, that people without a conviction should be given the same opportunity as people with convictions.

There is nothing wrong with change if it's in the right direction - Winston Churchill