A fair to destroy cannabis beliefs comes to Michigan

With Michigan clearing the process of overturning previous cannabis convictions, it is time to put plans into action and overturn some of those earlier convictions. To this end, the state held its first extermination fair last Wednesday to clear records in record time.

Yvonne Morrow is one of the people who came to Michigan’s first extermination fair to clear her 20-year possession charge. Even though the conviction was so long ago, it still plagues it as a token on her file.

“If it takes 20 years for someone to delete their marijuana file, come on,” she said while waiting in line for her file to be released.

The show is an opportunity for people to either erase their files entirely or get help with the process. Penalties for cannabis offenses and select cases of crime are currently on the table, and people with criminal records are flocking to accomplish this and start with a clean slate.

“Today is the day in history that the lives of 718 people are set free, dignity restored and family trees changed forever,” said Sheriff Christopher Swanson of the move and the fact that life was turned right by this exciting move positive direction is changed.

And while the event was held at a local police station, the atmosphere was fun, including a dunk tank and music for the snakes. There was also a vaccination team on site to distribute COVID vaccines to those who needed them.

“That prevented me from getting a job. Employers really don’t want to hire you once they figure out what your background is, ”said Clifton Sanders. Sanders was convicted of possession of a firearm, but the conviction came when he was 16 and he is now 43 and is still facing the setback. “I was trying to do this so I could get a better job.”

Last week’s extermination fair is the first of many

Soon after this success, more extermination fairs will come to the state as more and more people want to cultivate their prejudices.

“I was personally involved in drafting the bills that revised our state’s extermination law, including permissible convictions for marijuana offenses,” said Michigan’s Attorney General Dana Nessel. “These changes provide an overdue second chance for residents who would otherwise have to bear the burden of a public criminal record well past the point at which they have paid their debt to society. I am grateful for the support and partnership of all those involved and would like to contribute to improving the lives of the entitled Michigander. “

The new Penal Enforcement Act does not allow acquitted convictions of homicides, but even if the person has been convicted of up to three crimes or an unlimited number of offenses that do not include homicide, they can file a motion that clears their criminal record. Individuals with more than three criminal charges are still not eligible.

Volunteer attorneys from Legal Services of Eastern Michigan and Michigan Works were available to assist with the deletion process. Staff from the Attorney General and Genesee County Sheriff’s Office also helped.

“Today, thanks to our joint efforts, we are addressing the disparities that have affected generations of Michiganers, especially People of Color,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist. “Michigan’s updated laws and events like today’s will have a tremendous positive impact on hundreds of thousands of residents who have undergone a confusing and expensive process to request a deletion. There is more to be done, but Michigan takes pride in leading the way in removing barriers to economic opportunity for people who deserve a second chance. “