The Fresh Start Act permits for the federal expungement of criminal records for non-violent, non-sexual offenses. The consequences of having a criminal record impose barriers to employment, housing, and social services. While it is important to be held accountable for ones actions, the permanence of having a record is harmful to many who have rehabilitated themselves and wish to be contributing members of society. This bill contains restrictions such as a 7 year wait with no further offenses, in order to minimalize risk while maintaining public safety. This time frame is in line with considerable research suggesting the risk factors for re-offense are minimal. It becomes counter- productive with these barriers imposed along with the social stigmas that continue to label them as criminals.
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