Second Chance for Ex-Offenders Act of 2011

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Last month, Representative Charles Rangel introduced the Second Chance for Ex-Offenders Act of 2011. The Act allows certain individuals convicted of nonviolent offenses to petition for an expungement upon completion of their sentence and satisfaction of other substance abuse, educational, and community service requirements.

So, what does this bill exactly propose to expunge?

Upon order of expungement, all official law enforcement and court records, including all references to such person’s arrest for the offense, the institution of criminal proceedings against him, and the results thereof, except publicly available court opinions or briefs on appeal, shall be expunged (in the case of nontangible records) or gathered together and sealed (in the case of tangible records).

This raises an interesting post-conviction issue for first-time criminal defendants. If the crime was not well-publicized, should defendants appeal? For those considering seeking a fresh start at a later date, an expungement just might be able to hide their unflattering past from future dates and employers.

However, once an appellate court opines on their cocaine, marijuana or wire fraud conviction, any hope of moving forward without having to constantly explain past indiscretions is out the window.


Posted in: Laws, Legal News

3 responses to “Second Chance for Ex-Offenders Act of 2011”

  1. Wdkarabinus says:

    Good idea but biased…… You will allow sex offenders yet not one time violent offenders w/records over 10 yrs old……

  2. Joni says:

    My son, who is now 36, may benifit from this new Law??  When he was young (17) and (as he say’s) really Stupid, he stole Cars & once took money from a Gas Station – There were NO wepons or violance involved. – He was sent to Prison for 6 yrs.  – After serving his time & furthing his education, he’s sence tried to find a job. –  Most employers are NOT willing to hire him once they do a Background Check and seeing he’s got a Felony listed on his record.    

  3. […] Second Chance for Ex-Offenders Act of 2011 Ken Chan shed some light on a bill introduced by Rep. Charles Rangel (Dem. – NY) that would allow certain people convicted of nonviolent sentences to petition for an expungement of their criminal records. […]