The Second Chance Act of 2009

The Second Chance Act of 2009 is a prospective piece of legislature sponsored by New York's Charles B. Rangel which will allow for nation-wide standards for having criminal records expunged. It is not to be confused with the Second Chance Act of 2007, which was drafted at the same time, sponsored by Rep. Danny Davis, and signed into law by President Bush in April of 2008.

The Second Chance Act of 2009 would amend the earlier piece of legislation. If you are interested in knowing how the Second Chance Act of 2009 could affect your chances of having your criminal record expunged, contact Rhode Island expungement lawyer James Powderly by calling 401-662-9006.

Who Qualifies for Expungement?

To qualify for expungement under the new act, you have to meet certain requirements. They are:

• You must have no violent crimes on your record
• You must have no non-violent crimes on your record other than the one that you want expunged
• You must have finished serving your sentence for the crime
• You must have been drug- or alcohol-free for at least a year, if applicable
• You must have either a high school degree or an equivalency degree
• You must have completed a year of community service

Contact Us

The bill has 18 additional sponsors, and is expected to pass soon. If you have crime on your record that you believe you deserve to have expunged, it is in your best interest to find out how the Second Chance Act of 2009 can benefit you. To find out more, contact Rhode Island expungement attorney James Powderly by calling 401-662-9006.