State attorneys in Vermont’s Chittenden and Windsor counties are moving forward with plans to expunge misdemeanor cannabis convictions with “Expungement Days” this month, Vermont Digger reports. In Chittenden County, Expungement Day is being held June 12 at Edward J. Costello Courthouse in Burlington, while Windsor County’s event is planned for June 9 at Vermont Law School in South Royalton.
“During Expungement Day, we will educate community members about how to complete an expungement petition. Though volunteers will not provide legal advice, by the end of the session, participants will have a completed expungement petition ready for filing. The State’s Attorney has agreed to accept the petitions and file them.” – Chittenden County State’s Attorney’s Office, via a Facebook event page
Expungement is not available for felony offenses, and offenders can only apply to have the convictions expunged that were levied in the counties in which they are applying.
“Under Vermont law … once a conviction is expunged, a person may lawfully claim that he or she was never arrested, convicted, or sentenced for the marijuana possession offense. While Vermont affords these protections for expunged offenses, other states and the federal government may treat the effect of the expungement differently.” – Chittenden County State’s Attorney’s Office, via the Facebook event page
Citizens will receive assistance from Robert Sand, a law school professor and director of the Center for Justice Reform, along with Vermont Law School students.
