Rhode Island to start expungement process for marijuana convictions

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Chief Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court Paul Suttell released an executive order for expungement of marijuana possession charges.

The court said they will identify specific violation, misdemeanor and felony-level cases to determine eligibility for expungement.

Gov. Dan McKee signed a bill last May that made Rhode Island the 19th state to legalize recreational marijuana.

Suttell said this order came in recognition of the negative impact that non-violent and low level offenses for pot possession can have on people.

Decisions on expungement will be made between the Supreme Court, District Court and Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal.

Requests for expungement can be submitted in person or via email to the Superior and District Court’s Clerk’s Office in each county as well as the Traffic Tribunal Clerk’s Office.

Requests must include a full name, date of birth and case number and will be reviewed within five days of submission.

The Administrative Office of State Courts said the expungement process will be free of charge for applicants.