By Alan J. Keays, VTDigger
“Expungement Day” for those with misdemeanor marijuana convictions in Windsor and Chittenden counties will take place next month.
State’s Attorneys from both counties have said they were working out the details for expunging convictions for certain marijuana convictions in light of the Legislature passing and Gov. Phil Scott signing a bill earlier this year that legalizes the possession of up to an ounce of marijuana. That law goes into effect July 1.
On May 18, a press release lays out the plans in detail. The Expungement Day is planned from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 9, in Oakes Hall, Room 012 at the law school, for Windsor County convictions.
“In recognition of this change and shifting attitudes about marijuana, the Windsor and Chittenden County State’s Attorneys have agreed to support the expungement of all old misdemeanor marijuana possession offenses that arose within Windsor and Chittenden County,” the release stated.
Felony-level offenses, convictions for selling marijuana or any offenses that took place outside of those two counties do not qualify for the expungement process on those days.
According to the release, during each Expungement Day, Robert Sand, a law school professor and director of the Center for Justice Reform, along with VLS students, will assist people in learning about the expungement process and filling out petitions.
Both state’s attorneys have agreed to accept those petitions and file them in court.
Participants should bring a valid, government-issued photo identification as well as any records they have related to their prior misdemeanor marijuana offense.
On July 1, Vermont is set to legalize the possession of 1 ounce or less of marijuana and two mature and four immature marijuana plants by people 21 or older.
