A new bill signed into law earlier this month by Gov. Mark Dayton will reward reformed criminals for making positive changes in their lives.
The new deal wouldn’t specifically give the offenders anything, instead, it’s what’s being taken away that’s beneficial – access to certain criminal offenses.
“People can’t turn their lives around and become law-abiding citizens if they have no hope of finding a decent job or a place to live,” Dayton said. “This law provides a chance for them to put their pasts behind them and live better lives.”
The Law
The new law lays out specific conditions a convict must follow after their release from prison if they want to be eligible to have their records sealed or expunged. To be eligible, a person must:
- Complete a diversion program after their release.
- Go at least two years without being charged with a crime.
- Show that his or her criminal record is hindering their ability to find housing or a job.
Representative Carly Melin, DFL-Hibbing, said she supported the bill to remove some of the ambiguity regarding expungement laws.
“We know these laws have been unclear for a number of years now,” said Melin.”With some recent state Supreme Court decisions it became even more unclear, and the Supreme Court basically kicked it back to the Legislature and said we need to do something to address the expungement issue and when it comes to collateral consequences associated with criminal records.”
Melin added that representatives wanted to make sure reformed individuals weren’t continuously denied opportunities because of a decades-old mistake.
Senator Bobby Joe Champion, DFL-Minneapolis, agreed with Melin, noting that one in five Minnesotans has a criminal record, and the current online record search doesn’t tell the whole story of a conviction.
“Unfortunately, online records are often inaccurate, incomplete or misinterpreted,” Champion said.
As we’ve mentioned on the blog before, oftentimes it can be difficult for individuals with a criminal record to get a job or find a way into college. In addition to providing some tips for both, Appelman Law Firm has created a scholarship for aspiring law students who have had a criminal conviction in the past. If you or someone you know fits the bill, be sure to apply for our Criminal Law Scholarship. Entries are due by the end of the month, so don’t delay!
Related source: Pioneer Press
