Some Criminal Records Could Be Erased with Connecticut’s New Clean-Slate Law
Some supporters estimated the change will impact the lives of about 300,000 formerly incarcerated people in Connecticut. According to ACLU in Connecticut, “people living with a criminal record in Connecticut face more than 550 legal and policy barriers in areas such as housing, jobs, education, insurance and credit, and participating in public programs and services.”
How Could You Erase Criminal Records Prior to 2023?
Under Connecticut laws prior to 2023, there were two methods by which an individual could have their criminal record erased by the Board of Pardons and Paroles. The first method, for which people with virtually all types of convictions are eligible, requires the individual to submit a pardon application and have a full, in-person hearing before the Board.
See Application for Pardons in Connecticut
Application forms here.
DO NOT STAPLE the application or any other documents
Board of Pardons and Paroles
Attn: Pardons Unit
55 West Main Street, Suite 520
Waterbury, CT 06702
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Criminal records can be erased in CT by applying for pardon and disclosing all past convictions. If you do not disclose a conviction in your application, and it is later discovered by the Pardon’s Board after you have been granted a pardon, your pardon may be revoked, and you may be prosecuted for perjury.
Connecticut State Police may not have every criminal conviction. If you were convicted of crimes that are not listed on the criminal history sheet, you must explain those convictions in your application. You are required to obtain the official criminal record(s) for out-of-state convictions, and you must mention those convictions in your application. Some motor vehicle convictions may affect your criminal record. This is especially true of Reckless Driving, DUI, and DWI-type offenses.
What Criminal Records Can Be Erased in CT Under Clean-Slate Law?
Connecticut’s Clean Slate Bill SB 1019
“AN ACT CONCERNING THE BOARD OF PARDONS AND PAROLES, ERASURE OF CRIMINAL RECORDS FOR CERTAIN MISDEMEANOR AND FELONY OFFENSES, PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION BASED ON ERASED CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD INFORMATION AND CONCERNING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT SENTENCING COMMISSION WITH RESPECT TO MISDEMEANOR SENTENCES.” See Clean Slate Bill SB1019 Signed Into Law By Gov. Lamont
Criminal records can be erased in CT, according to the new law, see more details:
- The Clean Slate law will not apply to criminal records regarding Class A, B, or C felonies, certain unclassified felonies, domestic violence crimes, or crimes requiring sex offender registration.
- The new law will focus on formerly incarcerated people who have misdemeanors and Class D or F felonies on their records.
- Misdemeanors become eligible for erasure after seven years, while Class D and F felonies and unclassified felonies with prison time of five or fewer years can be wiped after 10 years.
- For offenses that occurred on or after January 1st, 2000, records will be automatically erased. Records that occurred before the date can be erased when the person of interest files a petition to the court.
