Record Relief: Until recently, pardons were the primary vehicle for record relief for convictions in Connecticut, and pardoned convictions are granted generously by an appointed administrative board, then “erased” (expunged). Upon the subject’s request, records that have been erased are physically destroyed after three years. Records of individuals under the age of 21 who were adjudicated as a “youthful offender,” are automatically erased upon reaching age 21, if they had no subsequent felony convictions. Several programs for diversion or deferred adjudication may also result in erasure, and victims of human trafficking may seek vacatur of convictions (and presumably erasure). Where the erasure statute applies, a court may proceed on its own motion to dismiss charges, and records will automatically be erased.
In June 2021, Connecticut enacted a “Clean Slate” law, effective January 1, 2023, which establishes a process to automatically erase records of most misdemeanor convictions and certain less serious felony convictions entered after January 1, 2000, after a specified period following the person’s most recent conviction for a crime (except for certain drug possession offenses). A person’s criminal record must be erased in the event of acquittal or dismissal, and the state and its agencies may not use non-conviction records in connection with employment or licensure. Partial sealing is available for charges dismissed in a conviction case, but only for electronic databases. Juveniles adjudicated delinquent, who are at least 18 years old, may petition for erasure of their records after two years for less serious offenses, and four years for more serious ones.
Certificates of Relief: The pardon board or court supervisory agency may issue certificates of rehabilitation in cases that do not yet qualify for a full pardon, to give relief from legal barriers to employment and/or licensure. They may be sought at any time after sentencing for the purpose of promoting rehabilitation. Individuals convicted under federal law or the law of another state are eligible for a COR if they reside or do business in the state.
