MS HB629

Consolidates all expungement procedures into a single statute (Section 99-19-71), covering misdemeanor first offenders, eligible felony convictions (after 5 years), dismissed cases, cases where charges were dropped, and not guilty verdicts

Allows expungement of first-offense DUI convictions after 5 years if the offender had a blood alcohol concentration below 0.16%, did not refuse testing, completed all sentence terms, and has no other DUI convictions or pending charges

Requires courts to automatically expunge records when cases are dismissed, charges are dropped, or defendants are found not guilty at trial

Permits expungement for intervention court participants who successfully complete all program requirements, including payment of fines and fees, except for implied consent (DUI-related) violations

Repeals three existing standalone expungement statutes (Sections 99-15-57, 99-15-59, and 9-23-23) to consolidate provisions into the amended Section 99-19-71, effective July 1, 2022