In Florida, a bill has been introduced by Sen. Randolph Bracy that, if passed, has the potential to allow for marijuana convictions to be expunged. Having a marijuana conviction on ones record can make it difficult for them to get a job, car, housing, and more. As of this time, fourteen cities and counties within the state of Florida have taken that critical step of passing ordinances that decriminalize marijuana at the 20 grams or less level, but once it’s on your record, it’s not coming off – unless this new bill is passed.
I’ve talked about how to get your record expunged in past blog posts and you may remember that drug charges are ineligible for such determination, but this new bill could be the step in the right direction that is needed for those with minor records due to mistakes made involving marijuana.
Bracy’s bill, S.B. 468, has been heard as of this month with an amendment, changing expungement eligibility from unlimited to one time. In order for Bracy’s bill to be considered by the Florida legislature, it will require a companion bill from Florida House. That bill, H.B. 191, was filed by Representative Travaris McCurdy of Orlando and it is still in committee.
If you or a loved one have a record that you’d like expunged and you haven’t gone through the process before, consider getting the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney, like Russell Spatz. Give him a call today at 305-442-0200 for a consultation.