Connecticut Prepares to Clear Thousands of Low-Level Cannabis Convictions 

 Posted on December 08, 2022 in Criminal Defense

In less than four weeks, approximately 44,000 people convicted in Connecticut of cannabis possession will have their criminal records either fully or partially cleared automatically, according to an announcement by Governor Ned Lamont. This new state policy is part of the 2021 law the state passed that regulated the adult use of cannabis. In his announcement, the governor stressed that this new policy is being implemented to ensure that these low-level cannabis convictions will no longer hamper a person’s ability to find employment, pursue an education, and find housing.  

Automatic Erasure

On January 1, 2023, anyone who was convicted for possession of under four ounces of cannabis between January 1, 2000, and September 30, 2015, will automatically have those convictions erased from their records.

If a person was convicted for possession of under four ounces of cannabis prior to January 1, 2000, or between October 1, 2015, and June 30, 2021, they will need to file a petition with the court in order to have the conviction erased.

Other convictions that will require a filing of a petition include:

• Convictions before July 1, 2021, for possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia for cannabis

• Convictions prior to July 1, 2021, for manufacturing, selling, possession with intent to sell, giving an individual under four ounces of cannabis, or possession of six cannabis plants growing in their residence for personal use

Clean Slate Law

After the first of the year, Connecticut will also have a Clean Slate law in place that will enable ex-offenders who have other criminal convictions on their records to have those convictions erased.

Those who were convicted of misdemeanors can have those records cleared seven years after the conviction and those who were convicted for certain Class D and E felonies can have those records cleared 10 years after the conviction, as long as they meet certain criteria, including not having any other convictions on their records during that time period.  

The Clean Slate law does not include convictions for Class A, B, or C felonies, family violence convictions, or sex crime convictions requiring sex offender registration.

Contact a Fairfield County Defense Lawyer

If you have been arrested for a crime, it is critical to have a skilled Stamford, CT criminal attorney aggressively defending you and ensuring your rights are protected. A criminal conviction can have a significant impact on future opportunities. If you qualify for one of the above criminal record erasures that will require petitioning the court, our law firm can help. Call Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner at 203-348-5846 to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help.  

Sources:

https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/News/Press-Releases/2022/12-2022/Governor-Lamont-Announces-Thousands-of-Low-Level-Cannabis-Possession-Convictions-To-Be-Cleared

https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/News/Press-Releases/2021/06-2021/Governor-Lamont-Signs-Bill-Legalizing-and-Safely-Regulating-Adult-Use-Cannabis