We, the undersigned, call on our state legislators to support and enact legislation allowing individuals with certain non-violent felony convictions to petition for the expunction (record clearing) of their criminal records after ten years of remaining crime-free.

Why This Matters

A felony conviction carries lifelong consequences that extend far beyond serving time. Even after fulfilling all court-ordered obligations, individuals often face:

• Barriers to stable employment
• Denial of housing opportunities
• Difficulty pursuing education or professional licenses
• Social stigma that limits reintegration into the community

These collateral consequences persist indefinitely, regardless of rehabilitation or positive community involvement.

The Case for 10-Year Expunction Eligibility 

Research and recidivism data show that most individuals who remain arrest-free for seven to ten years are no more likely to commit a new crime than someone with no criminal record. Continuing to penalize someone beyond that time is not just unjust, it’s ineffective public policy.

We believe that offering a path to expunction after ten clean years promotes:

• Rehabilitation and accountability: A clear incentive for individuals to maintain good behavior and contribute positively to society.
• Public safety: Encouraging reintegration reduces the cycle of poverty and crime.
• Economic opportunity: Removing barriers to employment helps families and communities thrive.
• Fairness: A one-time mistake should not be a life sentence.

What We’re Asking For

We urge lawmakers to consider legislation that allows:

Individuals with non-violent felony convictions to apply for expunction 10 years after completing their sentence, including probation and parole.
A review process ensuring public safety and victim input.
Clear eligibility guidelines that exclude crimes involving violence, sexual assault, or harm to children.

This proposal does not weaken accountability; it reinforces hope, stability, and the American principle of second chances.