Let’s give a round of applause to the state of Oregon to being one of the first to help reestablish the lives of non-violent offenders.
Thanks to the recent implementation of a novel provision in Oregon’s Senate Bill 844, more than 50,000 residents can now apply to a new program that permits some offenders to expunge marijuana-related crimes from their criminal history.
According to the Oregon Cannabis Association, the Beaver State’s sweet new piece of legislation allows those with past marijuana-related indiscretions – including cultivation and distribution – to have their past improprieties purged from their permanent criminal record. Thereby making it easier for those convicted of past marijuana related crimes to find gainful employment.
In order to qualify for Oregon’s expungement program, there are a few criteria that must first be met:
1.) Those petitioning to have marijuana offenses sealed from their permanent record must wait 12 months from their last conviction.
2.) All fines and restitution must be paid, the petitioner should be off probation or parole and have completed all terms and conditions of their sentence.
3.) Petitioners may have no other conviction, excluding motor vehicle violations, within the past 10 years. And those currently charged with a marijuana related crime, need not apply.
To get your past marijuana conviction sealed in Oregon, contact the circuit court of the county in which you were convicted. Currently Oregon charges $252 for these expungement requests. Additionally, the Oregon State Police charges $80 for their fingerprinting service – a requirement of SB 844. Caveat: Depending on the county you live in, other charges may apply.
