Virginia introduces marijuana criminal record expungement bill
Tuesday, January 27th, 2009 at 9:02 am | By: Radical Russ
NORML is pleased to announce that House Bill 2468, an act to expunge certain criminal marijuana convictions, has been referred to the House Committee for Courts of Justice, Criminal Subcommittee.
If approved, this proposal would expunge the criminal records of certain first-time marijuana possession offenders. This is a common sense proposal that will allow Virginians avoid the stigma of a lifetime criminal record, and assist in their efforts to find gainful employment and qualify for student loans.
Please take a moment today to contact your elected officials and urge them to support HB 2468. If your representative is a member of the House Committee for Courts of Justice, Criminal Subcommittee then it is especially important that he or she hears from you. For your convenience, a pre-written letter is included below.
Topics: criminal record, expunge, VA HB2468, VirginiaSUBJECT: Support House Bill 2468
I’m writing to urge your support for House Bill 2468, which seeks to expunge the criminal records of certain first-time marijuana possession offenders.
Under current state law, individuals convicted of minor marijuana possession offenses are saddled with a lifetime criminal record. This record greatly inhibits their economic opportunities later in life. For instance, adults can be denied employment and access to student financial aid if they possess a criminal record for marijuana possession.
House Bill 2468 would allow Virginians to file a petition to expunge their criminal record if they have not committed a second marijuana offense in the prior ten years. This is a common sense proposal that will allow Virginians avoid the stigma and economic hardships associated with a lifetime criminal record.
Please vote ‘yes’ on HB 2468.
I totally agree. I live in Northern Virginia and i am sickened by the strict marijuana laws in this state. It is amazing that something that is less harmful than alcohol and tobacco could be outlawed at all. It has proven medicinal use which neither alcohol nor tobacco can say. Yet you’re going to receive a felony for possession of more than an ounce? Come on!!!!! This kind of behavior should outrage the tax payers. Non violent drug offenders should not be arrested!!!!! If you tax and regulate Marijuana then instead of wasting money prosecuting people in this joke of a judicial system, you can create jobs and tax revenue. It’s time to change this war on almost 50% of the population.
from article I linked in the Stash Guestbook:
“Sen. Ralph Northam, D-Norfolk, said he agrees with Morgan’s proposed legislation but does not condone marijuana use. People should get a second chance as long as they learn from their mistakes, Northam said.”
Mistake? What are you, my parents? I’m about 25 years past the age of needing to be smacked on the nose with a rolled up newspaper.
While it is refreshing to see anything remotely positive come out of the VA legislative process, I’ll repeat my question. Is this the best my state can do?
Anyone reading this comment live in VA? I could use some support trying to kick start a visible pro-marijuana law reform movement.