RI S2964

Petty misdemeanor convictions become eligible for expungement 3 years after sentence completion, regardless of prior conviction limitations that apply to other offenses

Misdemeanor convictions for simple possession of a controlled substance become eligible for expungement 3 years after sentence completion, regardless of the number of prior convictions for other offenses

These new expungement pathways bypass the standard "first offender" requirement and waiting periods (5 years for misdemeanors, 10 years for felonies) that apply to other offenses

Courts may still grant expungement at their discretion after finding the petitioner has demonstrated rehabilitation and expungement serves the public interest

Takes effect immediately upon passage