MS SB2677

Allows persons convicted of felonies (excluding certain serious crimes) to petition for expungement 20 years after successful completion of their sentence, in addition to the existing 5-year expungement option for most felonies.

Maintains a 5-year expungement timeline for felonies not classified as crimes of violence, arson, drug trafficking, DUI offenses, felon in possession of firearm, sex offender registration failures, voyeurism, witness intimidation, abuse of vulnerable persons, or embezzlement.

Prohibits expungement under the 20-year provision for rape, sexual battery, third/fourth/subsequent DUI offenses, sex offender registration failures, witness intimidation, and abuse of vulnerable persons.

Requires petitioner to provide 10 days' written notice to the district attorney before any expungement hearing, with the court determining whether the applicant has been rehabilitated from the offense.

Takes effect July 1, 2020.