COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) –
People incarcerated for certain marijuana crimes can now apply to have their sentences thrown out.
The Missouri State Public Defender’s Office released the application on its website. The one-page form allows for people in a jail, prison or halfway house to ask a court to order their release on drug charges and expunge the sentence.
The voter-approved marijuana measure created new rules for people to get previous marijuana-related convictions tossed out. While those out of custody can expect automatic expungement from the courts, those currently in prison must apply to get their sentence cleared. Stacey Lannert with the public defenders office’s parole revocation team said only Class D or E felony, misdemeanor crimes or marijuana crimes that would now be considered lower-level felonies would qualify for expungement.
People that qualify would send their application to the court that sentenced them. A judge would then consider the application before granting expungement or ordering a person’s release. The form from the public defender includes a sample order for judge’s to consider.
Lannert said public defender offices have gotten about ten calls so far with people interested in applying. Lannert said the office would get people the proper paperwork that contact their office.
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