New Criminal Record Removal Act – 2020’s Way of Giving Inmates a Second Chance

A law that allows people in New Mexico to erase their criminal history went into effect on January 1st!

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the Criminal Record Expungement Act during the last legislative session. This new criminal record removal act will allow people to petition to get rid of their criminal records and remove their files from public view.

Democratic State Rep. Antonio Maestas was a sponsor of the bill. He said it’s meant to give people with criminal records a second chance.

“There are probably tens of thousands of New Mexicans that are unemployed or underemployed as a result of a blemish on their criminal history that no longer reflects who they are,” Rep. Maestas said.

Certain crimes, like murder or DWI, are exempt from the new law. Offenders also have to finish their sentences and go through a waiting period before being eligible to petition their criminal records.

“So it’s not automatic, but if somebody reaches that finish line, they’re eligible, and they can request the judge to grant expungement,” Rep. Maestas said.

“From other states, the folks that seek expungement are no longer that person that was arrested or whatnot, so public safety increases because people behave toward that deadline, and the criminal record is not erased,” he said. “Law enforcement still has access to that information.”

Although some leaders in other states disagree with the governer’s decision, Prison Consultant Michael Frantz agrees with the bill.

“There are countless Americans who have made mistakes in the past and have paid their dues. They deserve a second chance to live a better life and contribute to society. The state is still keeping a close eye on these individuals and know the status of each ex-convict. As we start the new year of 2020, let’s give people a chance and build our communities, not limit them.”

Michael Frantz, Jail Time Consulting Founder & Prison Consultant

Do You Know Someone Who Could Use a Criminal Record Removal Act or our Criminal Records Removal Service?

Here at Jail Time Consulting, we believe that people can turn their lives around and take a new turn in their lives. We are knowledgeable in New Mexico’s new law and have started submitting to clients already. We also have our Criminal Records Removal Service Program that works for all states. Call us at 954-740-2253 or 800-382-0868 to see how we can help with our criminal records removal service!