In an effort to reduce stigma and provide second chances for those with low-level criminal convictions, Governor Janet Mills of Maine signed a law in April allowing for the sealing of marijuana convictions from before the state's legalization of the drug in 2017. This accomplishment is a result of the work of the Criminal Records Review Committee, a 29-member panel featuring lawmakers and representatives from various legal, law enforcement, nonprofit, and media groups. The new law also removes age requirements for sealing criminal histories, allowing individuals of any age to apply for record sealing as long as they meet certain criteria.
Maine's Marijuana Conviction Sealing Law: A Step Towards Criminal Justice Reform
Background
For decades, the United States has pursued a war on drugs that has disproportionately impacted communities of color. Marijuana possession laws have been particularly punitive, with even low-level offenses leading to criminal records that can have lifelong consequences. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to end the criminalization of marijuana and to expunge or seal marijuana convictions.
Maine's Law
In April 2021, Maine Governor Janet Mills signed into law a bill that allows for the sealing of marijuana convictions from before the state's legalization of the drug in 2017. The law was the result of years of work by the Criminal Records Review Committee, a 29-member panel tasked with examining the state's criminal record sealing process.
The new law removes age requirements for sealing criminal histories, allowing individuals of any age to apply for record sealing as long as they meet certain criteria. These criteria include:
FAQs
1. How do I apply for record sealing under the new law?
Individuals can apply for record sealing online through the Maine State Police website. The application fee is $50.
2. How long does it take for a record to be sealed?
The Criminal Records Review Committee will review applications and make a decision within 120 days. If the application is approved, the record will be sealed within 30 days.
3. What does it mean to have a record sealed?
A sealed record is not publicly available. It cannot be accessed by employers, landlords, or other third parties. However, it is still possible for the record to be accessed by law enforcement agencies or in certain legal proceedings.
4. What are the benefits of sealing a marijuana conviction?
Sealing a marijuana conviction can remove barriers to employment, housing, and education. It can also reduce the stigma associated with a criminal record.
5. Can I still apply for record sealing if I have been convicted of other crimes?
Individuals with non-marijuana related convictions may still be eligible for record sealing under certain circumstances. However, the review process will be more thorough and the decision will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Conclusion
Maine's marijuana conviction sealing law is a significant step towards addressing the harms caused by the war on drugs. By removing age requirements and expanding eligibility criteria, the law will help countless Mainers move forward with their lives and leave the mistakes of the past behind.
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