MS HB1398

Allows persons convicted of specific misdemeanors (not traffic violations) and first-time offenders to petition courts to expunge convictions from public records.

Reduces expungement eligibility period from five (5) years to one (1) year after sentence completion for certain felonies (bad check, drug possession, false pretense, larceny, malicious mischief, shoplifting) if the district attorney recommends expungement.

Reduces expungement eligibility period from five (5) years to one (1) year for persons under age 21 at time of felony conviction if the district attorney recommends expungement, excluding crimes of violence and drug distribution-related felonies.

Requires ten (10) days' written notice to the district attorney before expungement hearing and mandates courts determine on record whether applicant is rehabilitated before granting petition.

Takes effect July 1, 2017.