A study published in the Lincoln Memorial University Law Review argues that expunging felony and misdemeanor conviction records has societal benefits with “minimal side effects.“ Authored by Meganne Lee-Rogers, the study examines the growing number of states passing laws to expunge criminal convictions. 

Lee-Rogers found that 12 states, including New Jersey and New York, have the broadest expungement policies, allowing a wide range of convictions to be cleared. Thirty-two states have moderate policies, five states have limited expungement allowances, and Wisconsin is the only state with no relief options. The study found no correlation between a state’s political leanings or geography and the scope of its expungement laws.

The study also argues that states should automatically delete felony and misdemeanor convictions, with the exception of homicide and sexual offenses. 

The study notes in passing the difficulty this brings to the business community, which relies on such records for background checks in hiring. Also, journalists frequently use criminal databases to expose problems in government, such as felons hired to babysit, run daycares, or drive school buses.

Posted: January 16, 2025
Category: Brechner News
Tagged as: Brechner FOI Project, Brechner Freedom of Information Project, FOI