Set to go into effect on January 1, 2023, Clean Slate will automatically erase the criminal records of people who have returned to the community after incarceration and who remain crime-free for an extended period.
People with misdemeanor and lower-level felony records will be eligible after seven and ten years respectively (except for sex, family violence, and firearm charges).
For a person with multiple convictions on their record, some convictions may be eligible for erasure, and some may not. Don’t assume that if one conviction is eligible for a person, that every conviction for that person is eligible for erasure.
Certain low-level felonies (class D and E) after ten years from the conviction, and misdemeanors after seven years from the conviction.
The new law does not allow for the erasure of class A, B, or C felonies, and also family violence crimes or certain sex offender crimes requiring registration.
If all your convictions have been erased, you are legally entitled to say that you do not have a criminal record. If your conviction or convictions are erased, and a potential employer asks you about it, you are allowed to say that you were not arrested or convicted.
If any of your convictions have not been erased, you cannot legally claim that you do not have a criminal record.
Prior to the Clean Slate law being passed, the only way to apply for erasure in Connecticut has been through the Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles. The application process is burdensome, costly, bureaucratic, and subjective. Clean Slate legislation is the much needed automatic solution, in contrast to the long pardon application process.
Clean Slate is a racial justice issue.
Clean Slate improves public safety.
Clean Slate boosts the economy.
Read Connecticut Public Act 21-32 known as the Clean Slate Law.
Please note: This website is NOT affiliated with the State of Connecticut, and CONECT IS NOT a law firm.
The information provided in this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. All information, content, and materials available on this website are for general information and educational purposes only. CONECT does not and cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information. You should consult with an attorney and/or other professional organization if you are seeking legal advice.