88.5 WFDD Web Archives
WFDD Archive
Main WFDD Website News Archives Triad Arts Archives Real People Archives Sports Commentary Archives Business Report Archives  

You are visiting the WFDD web archives.

Click here to return to our main website with the latest news from WFDD and NPR.

Search the WFDD archives
Listen (mp3) Listen  

NC bill would allow some felons to get a fresh start

June 27, 2012 | Audrey Fannin

A North Carolina legislative committee has approved a bill allowing some felons to get a fresh start.  The bill would allow a judge to erase some nonviolent felony convictions, provided the individual meets a series of requirements. 

To get the crimes expunged, 15 years must have passed since the conviction and "good moral character" must be established and vouched for. It also permits probation officers to conduct a background check, district attorneys to contact victims and judges to throw out requests they feel don't have merit.

Proponents argue that the measure gives repentant individuals a second chance and allows them to better contribute to society. But opponents worry that the bill is soft on crime and harms business owners. The bill received some pushback in the House last week when it passed 76-39.

Similar legislation has been attempted for about a decade, but the current incarnation has garnered the key endorsement of the North Carolina Sheriff's Association. The Senate Rules Committee approved the bill Wednesday. It now heads to the full Senate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


<< earlier stories later stories >>
<< June 1994 >>
Su M T W Th F Sa
   1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031 

Show month: