People with multiple eligible felonies can ask courts to seal records

People with two to four eligible felony convictions may ask the court that convicted them to seal those records. After a successful request, applicants cannot use this route again to seal their remaining felony convictions. People convicted of violent crimes or other listed barred offenses cannot use this route. Examples include weapons offenses, child abuse, and human trafficking. Convictions under chapter 29 of title 12 or sections 31-27-2 and 31-27-2.1 are also excluded. Applicants must have no felony or misdemeanor arrests or convictions during the preceding 15 years, no pending criminal cases, and good character. A judge must approve the request. The wait runs from completion of the last sentence. The law takes effect upon passage.

People with two to five misdemeanor convictions may ask the court that convicted them to seal eligible records. This route covers requests to seal any or all eligible convictions among two to five misdemeanors. The eligibility clause bars felony convictions described as violent crimes or other listed prohibited offenses, but its wording leaves the precise felony-history limit unclear. Convictions under chapter 29 of title 12 or sections 31-27-2 and 31-27-2.1 are excluded. Applicants must have no felony or misdemeanor arrests or convictions during the preceding ten years, no pending criminal cases, and good character. A judge must approve the request. The ten-year wait runs from completion of the last sentence.

Judges may consider a person’s background, work, community ties, and other relevant facts when deciding whether to seal records. These criteria guide judges reviewing requests to seal conviction records under this law. The judge must be satisfied that the person has been rehabilitated and that sealing the records serves the public interest. No single factor may decide the outcome. Judges may consider the person’s overall progress since the conviction.