Author Archives: Record Gone
Minnesota Supreme Court Curtails State Courts’ Expungement Power
A May 22, 2013 ruling by the Minnesota Supreme Court is not welcome news for those who want to have their criminal records expunged. The ruling reverses a recent appellate court decision that allowed the courts to order the expungement of records contained in the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) database, which is frequently searched by employers and the public. Despite the ruling, Attorney Mathew Higbee says there are still plenty of good reasons for people to have their records expunged by the courts. Continue reading
House Bill 4186 Could Lessen The Effect of the Invisible Sentence in Michigan
In Michigan, former offenders that have served their time, completed their sentence, and paid their debt to society may still be serving what is known as the “invisible sentence,” which has the potential to last a lifetime. New proposed legislature, House Bill 4186, would make more people serving the “invisible sentence” eligible for expungements. Continue reading
Changes to Criminal Law: Indiana’s House Enrolled Acts 1006 and 1482
Indiana Governor Mike Pence has recently signed two new Indiana House Bills into law. House Enrolled Acts 1482 and 1006 will both make positive changes to the criminal system in the state. While both Acts will have a major effect on the criminal law, they are quite different. Continue reading
New Indiana Expungement Law’s Effect on Employment
A new law in Indiana that broadens the eligibility for expungement is also expected to have a major impact on the ability of former offenders to obtain employment. Not only does the new law allow for the expungement of certain nonviolent and nonsexual misdemeanors and class D felonies, but it also will no longer allow for potential employers to ask if an applicant has ever been convicted of an offense that has been expunged by the court. Continue reading
New Michigan Set Aside Bill May Reduce Recidivism Rates
In Michigan, those convicted of felonies have found it difficult to obtain employment and professional licenses due to their criminal history, regardless of whether or not the individual has paid his or her debt to society. A felony conviction also excludes many from receiving educational scholarships, which are crucial when one cannot obtain gainful employment to support oneself through school. This pushes many felons into a vicious cycle of recidivism. Continue reading
