Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu
House Journal Written Remarks, 3rd Reading
House Bill No. 1756, House Draft 1
Relating to Criminal Procedure
Monday, March 2, 2010
I rise in support.
House Bill 1756, House Draft 1 allows for the expungement of convictions for non-violent offenses after a five year waiting period after the completion of sentencing or probation for the offense to be expunged, whichever is later, before an application for expungement may be filed with the court. It prohibits the expungement of a conviction for any crime that is not eligible for a deferred acceptance of a guilty plea or nolo contendere plea. The court shall determine that the defendant is not likely to engage in a criminal course of conduct and that the ends of justice and the welfare of society do not require that the conviction remain on the applicant’s record before issuing an expungement order.
This bill works together with the Judiciary budget bill that includes the funding for the specialty courts that helps our people who commit non-violent crimes to turn their lives around. Upon completion of their sentencing or probation, an expungement of convictions for non-violent offenses will help these individuals to get jobs and be productive citizens in our community.
Thank you.
JON RIKI KARAMATSU 