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Jugales t1_javukd7 wrote

A posession charge hung over my dad's head for almost 30 years until his death last August. It's the reason the only job he could get was cab driver, where he only made $40-$60/day to support 6 kids. I hope this change can impact many lives for the better.

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SweRakii t1_jawcbqh wrote

Man that's fucked up, sorry to hear that.

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friday99 t1_jaxk8i7 wrote

Bummer about your dad.

Sadly, or I guess it's still a good thing, but this clemency right now, no one will be released from prison add might only impact about 6,500 individuals.

We need real reform and not just lip service and mostly-empty gestures

https://www.themarshallproject.org/2022/10/15/don-t-expect-mass-prison-releases-from-biden-s-marijuana-clemency

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SeaOfGreenTrades t1_jay4avs wrote

This is federal level.

You don't usually get charged with a federal crime when a local cop arrests you.

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apocolipse t1_jayqdoc wrote

Pretty much only people smoking in national parks or other federal property

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Dry-Start-297 t1_jaz3m8d wrote

I'd be curious to know how many turn into federal offenses.

Just from personal experience, one of my close (not personally close but relation close) family members got popped by local, it turned federal, and that individual is looking at 100+ years. Will likely never get out but if they do, will be too old to even work. TBH, I'm kinda split on my opinion because I know enough to believe this person could willingly have done what they were doing, but probably weren't. More than likely it was due to another close family members choices, it's much more probable that they were given an ultimatum and just followed orders.

I've also had a few friends from my younger years end up in a similar boat albeit not as bad as the above people.

All of them were drug related charges. Non-violent offenses.

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Meraline t1_jayfu4s wrote

This announcement came with an announcement of upcoming rescheduling of weed as well

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AnonymousMonk7 t1_jaz3qzm wrote

I don’t see how it’s an empty gesture. It’s not like the Democrats that voted for this change we’re holding back greater reforms nationwide; they don’t have the views for a federal reversal and the conservative states are all against it. It’s not like an offer to post for dinner but then adding a caveat to stick to the dollar menu. They did what was possible in current conditions. Yes it affects a proportionately small group of people affected, but the blame is on the opposition, and hopefully it leads to greater pressure on state legislatures to change, getting closer to the actual reforms needed.

0

disavowed t1_jawne12 wrote

That's fucking insane, I'm sorry for your loss and his

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omarfw t1_jaz3u8g wrote

god that is awful. so much injustice surrounding marijuana has been wrought in the name of profit.

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5am5ep1ol t1_jaz44m3 wrote

It makes me so, so, so fucking mad that these stories are pretty commonplace. All because a few racists back in the day decided to demonize weed. Fucking idiotic and sad and all-around tragic because of how many lives they ruined. These people get one shot at their life. And it has far too often been spent under the thumb of a backwards law out there for terrible reasons.

Countless lives impacted, countless lives virtually destroyed—and countless lives undeniably destroyed. I’m sorry your dad got caught up in that mess.

4

xandercade t1_jazw16l wrote

I know for a fact the if marijuana was legal I wouldn't have had half the trouble I had in my life. I wouldn't have had to go thru shady people who pushed more addictive substances on me that led me down a path right to jail.

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imsupertriggerd t1_jawd1eo wrote

They just need to make it federally legal at this point like come on man

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SpinozaTheDamned t1_jawhqqw wrote

I suspect there's whole departments related to prosecuting cannabis right now. Lawyers are really good at not loosing their jobs, so I think what needs to happen now is make it really difficult to secure a conviction for cannabis. Disincentivize law enforcement from relying on these kinds of convictions as part of their normal jobs, but allow time for everyone to transition away from that role. Then, after cannabis convictions only form a small part of general law enforcement, bring down the legalization hammer and provide retirement packages for any law enforcement and legal staff, purging records of those convicted on that specific crime, and provide states with universal guidelines on regulation when legalizing cannabis.

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SadSausageFinger t1_jay1bec wrote

Fuck them. Fuck their jobs. Find something worthwhile to fight.

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ScryForHelp t1_jaygn7j wrote

Based. War on Drugs is a fucking scam anyway. If they cared about drugs in the first place they'd have gone after the gov agency funding wars and destabilizing with crack and heroin at the american citizens expense

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SlammingPussy420 t1_jayx3if wrote

The war on drugs was a war against the bad guys selling drugs. Not the good guys selling drugs.

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headphonz t1_jb7hy7e wrote

There is absolutely nothing stopping the US from invading Mexico or Columbia. No different than Iraq, Syria or Afghanistan. They just don't want to.

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[deleted] t1_jax4ja5 wrote

[deleted]

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stopmutations t1_jax9oie wrote

I dont think lawyers are the ones keeping weed illegal. It would be the prisons, police or alcohol/drug industries with more to profit than lawyers who practice specifically against weed.

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BlazingSpaceGhost t1_jaz2o9k wrote

Cory Booker's statement very much depends on where you are at in the country. As a white man from Indiana it is most definitely not legalized for anyone in Indiana. I have several friends both white and non-white that have faced possession charges.

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EmeraldGlimmer t1_jax47cq wrote

>Lawyers are really good at not loosing their jobs,

Loose jobs are the worst.

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Acceptable-Seaweed93 t1_jay992s wrote

Sounds like a great way to appease fascists for decades for the sake of appeasing fascists.

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pipsdontsqueak t1_jaynvpb wrote

Arresting maybe, not prosecuting unless it happens to be popular to be anti-marijuana in the jurisdiction. Weed charges tend to be tacked on otherwise, it's not really worth the effort to prosecute someone over simple possession of marijuana most places.

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MultifariAce t1_jaz2j3f wrote

Look what it took for that Murtaugh guy to lose his job.

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Lallo-the-Long t1_jazfs3u wrote

I really don't think that most lawyers stay out of work for very long. They'll be fine. Law enforcement officers can be retasked remarkably easily too.

1

djollied4444 t1_jayo6ze wrote

Don't worry Sen Chuck Schumer has said this is a priority of his, especially now that NY has legalized. Which means we can probably expect it sometime soon under another senate majority leader.

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Thadak60 t1_jb11tkj wrote

Until good ol' Mitch Mcconnell spreads the word of how that reefer makes the darks want to sleep with white women... /s (I hope)

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zedemer t1_jawdom3 wrote

ELI5 why would people need to apply for this? Surely, if the database exists showing this conviction, a simple db scrub would do the trick. Unless they think people want to keep this conviction as some sort of trophy ...

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diskdinomite t1_jawu5ke wrote

What's most likely going to happen is that people who were originally charged with something higher (dealing, manufacturing, etc) but took a plea deal for possession will not have their records expunged.

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Totallyperm t1_jax582k wrote

That's dumb. Plea deals get abused by prosecutors offices to pressure people into pleading guilty regardless of guilt. I would say fuck the state. If they didn't want this to be a possiblity they should have gone to trial. As of right now those people are only guilty of possession. Expunge it.

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zedemer t1_jaww86v wrote

But they still did the time, right? So it seems like a slippery slope to avoid giving people their due. Not to mention sometimes charges are stacked up to incentivize people to plea down to a lesser charge even if they couldn't convict

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diskdinomite t1_jax0i54 wrote

I think there are serious problems with this, especially with due process. But this is the reason I can see them doing it.

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joleme t1_jay6026 wrote

> Not to mention sometimes charges are stacked up to incentivize people to plea down to a lesser charge even if they couldn't convict

You mean nearly all the time. The cops will even lie before they even charge you with something. They'll tell you you'll be charged with 10+ things and say really nicely "but we'll just charge you for this 1 thing if you plead guilty".

ACAB.

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diskdinomite t1_jaz70j3 wrote

Cops don't handle pleas though. That's the DA. You can't "plea guilty" to a cop. You can admit guilt, and it can come up in court, but that's not a plea.

0

itsthevoiceman t1_jazczpd wrote

They don't handle pleas, but they sure as hell are friends with sweet sweet pillow talk. The whole justice system is in bed with each other, and it's corrupt as hell.

1

xandercade t1_jazw98d wrote

No they lay out a bunch of charges and say you make this easy on everyone and sign this paper saying you did this and that and we'll only charge you with 2 things instead of 10. It's basically the same damn thing.

1

joleme t1_jb13d6r wrote

Exactly. And many people can only get a public defender who is most likely super overworked and doesn't care enough to sort through all their bs.

1

[deleted] t1_jaxdmt5 wrote

[deleted]

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Tony2Punch t1_jay9sy1 wrote

FPS Russia got 60 days in federal and they seized 350k in guns and property

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[deleted] t1_jaymmwv wrote

[deleted]

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MouthJob t1_jayrp1z wrote

Didn't they also think he may have murdered his business partner or some shit? Or did that happen at a different time?

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Tony2Punch t1_jb0ah5h wrote

Not really, that was like a whole year and a half before they actually nabbed FPSRussia.

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warren_stupidity t1_jawyso7 wrote

They have done that. This is for getting a certificate to prove your conviction has been scrubbed.

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Drewzil t1_jawgguh wrote

Because the people who are too lazy to do anything about it, deserve it. At least, thats probably what the government thinks.

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Icy-End8895 t1_jayl4tt wrote

Do they make them pay to do it? If they do, that’s my answer.

1

Razakel t1_jaz3gtb wrote

In the UK, anyone convicted of a sexual offence that is now legal can apply to have it deleted (the Turing law).

The problem is that the law also covered other things that remain rightfully illegal, so every case has to be individually examined.

1

DesiBail t1_jazcdkh wrote

My first thoughts !! Why the need to apply?

1

who-are-we-anyway t1_jazkpdi wrote

The application is just for a certificate to prove you were granted clemency, the actual clemency itself was automatic. The article actually does a good job explaining everything, but the certificate is useful for people who have issues qualifying for housing, jobs, or assistance because of their prior conviction.

2

HBPhilly1 t1_jawpwqd wrote

What were you doing between 1995 and 2010? There's seems to be a large hole left on your resume?

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PaxNova t1_jaxu1jg wrote

Me: That was when I went to Yale.

Them: wow, you're hired!

Me: thanks for the yob!

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Throwaway4545232 t1_jax3pwo wrote

I took some time to myself for self reflection and reconsidering my priorities. You know, some “me” time.

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Elemenohpede t1_jaza3pn wrote

Oh that? Its nothing. In '95 I tried to kill a baby after killing his parents. The little bastard survived and I died. Luckily I had a few kick knacks around with bits of my soul infused in them, and here i am good as new!

I'm good with animals and have strong leadership skills, and wish for nothing more than the advancement of pure-blooded bloodlines.

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HBPhilly1 t1_jazaaxt wrote

Geez if that happened to me I'd kill myself or I would just wait and try to kill the baby when I get my strength back

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Elemenohpede t1_jazap2h wrote

Funny you mention the latter. Babies tend to grow into Harry teenagers, and they are slippery little buggers let me tell you!

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fudgebacker t1_jawv9da wrote

Hey, how about just erasing ALL OF THEM without requiring anything from those affected?

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bubleve t1_jaxlv2e wrote

Literally the first paragraph, and this can only cover Federal because Congress or States need to do the rest.

> The Department of Justice on Friday launched an application form that people who were covered under President Joe Biden’s mass marijuana pardon can fill out to demonstrate that they were granted clemency. ...The relief was automatic...

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speaks_truth_2_kiwis t1_jaydi3j wrote

> The relief was automatic...

A pardon doesn't remove a conviction from your record.

No one has been or will be released from prison.

The fact that a convict has been pardoned may or may not change the mind of an employer, landlord, etc.

In that context, a cute little certificate saying that you were pardoned is probably worth a tiny little Something, to someone. Hopefully.

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bubleve t1_jayjlht wrote

You are right, but:

> “a pardon removes or prevents the attachment of all consequences that are based on guilt for the offense,”

https://www.justice.gov/file/451106/download

I would suspect that standard employment/housing discriminatory practices would be in play. Pretty sure Congress would have to expunge the records.

0

MouthJob t1_jays14v wrote

You can suspect whatever you want. As long as they make up some other random bullshit to actually say out loud, they can see it in all kinds of screwed up ways in their own screwed up head all they want.

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bubleve t1_jayt10k wrote

Also, as far as I know expunging records is an act of congress not the president. So it is a moot point and Biden has done what he can legally.

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friday99 t1_jaxkhg6 wrote

How about broadening beyond federal possession so we actually help some of these individuals

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Ronin22222 t1_jawqfkd wrote

Most weed convictions are at the state level, but ok

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bubleve t1_jaxlk2k wrote

Yes, but that has to be done at the state level or as an act of Congress. This affects about 6,500 people. This is about all the Biden administration can do for past convictions.

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speaks_truth_2_kiwis t1_jaydnam wrote

>Yes, but that has to be done at the state level or as an act of Congress. This affects about 6,500 people. This is about all the Biden administration can do for past convictions.

Why can't they expunge records?

That would provide concrete help to those 6500 people.

−2

bubleve t1_jayjs4l wrote

They pardoned federal crimes. Your statement was about the state level so that is what I responded to.

It is unclear to me if the president has those powers, pretty sure that has to be Congress.

> ...As these opinions confirm, a presidential pardon removes, either conditionally or unconditionally, the punitive legal consequences that would otherwise flow from conviction for the pardoned offense. A pardon, however, does not erase the conviction as a historical fact or justify the fiction that the pardoned individual did not engage in criminal conduct. A pardon, therefore, does not by its own force expunge judicial or administrative records of the conviction or underlying offense.

https://www.justice.gov/file/451106/download

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speaks_truth_2_kiwis t1_jayrzsf wrote

> They pardoned federal crimes. Your statement was about the state level so that is what I responded to.

You're confusing me with another poster.

> It is unclear to me if the president has those powers, pretty sure that has to be Congress.

That seems to be true.

In any case. the Biden admin is implying that this action does more than it actually does. Disinforming the public and taking credit for more than he actually did.

> “The President’s pardon lifts barriers to housing, employment and educational opportunities for thousands of people with those prior convictions,”

Maybe.

If it's up to the federal government (federal jobs and such), this may work. Of course, the Biden admin fired a bunch of people for mj early on, didn't they?

And who knows what future administrations might do.

But a pardon doesn't expunge a conviction from your record.

And an employer can still absolutely refuse to hire a pardoned mj convict.

And a landlord can still absolutely refuse housing.

No one has been or will be released from prison.

The best possible result is a certificate saying you've been pardoned by Joe Biden. Which may actually mean something to some relevant people. Or it may not.

0

magnumhairball t1_jawvgo6 wrote

Do people even get federally charged for weed? Figured that is a state thing 98% of the time

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friday99 t1_jaxl0hs wrote

0 people will be released over this and it might only benefit about 6,500 individuals.

And most federal marijuana possession charges are with other more serious charges.

No one has been arrested at a federal level for simple possession only.

This was mostly lip service. It's looking like You're doing something without actually doing much. I know the office of the president can't control state legislature, but that's where the real action has to happen

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WinterCool t1_jayoljx wrote

I used to work on Federal Land and cited quite a few people with possession. Maybe a $100 ticket, no jail/arrest/etc, just a ticket, but federal. Honestly I felt like shit doing it. Really glad to hear this news because a few ppl I still remember seemed like nice normal young college kids that probably fucked em over a bit as they applied for jobs.

...but do you discriminate on which laws you enforce, and to whom? Just because they're going to the local college and seemed nice, do you not cite? You're enforcing laws based on discrimination, on your own biases? Why even be in law enforcement if you aren't going to do your job?..I am not in that field anymore.

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minnesotamoon t1_jax73uj wrote

What we really need is to change drug free workplace laws that get flowed down to companies through federal contracts and a ban on companies drug testing for cannabis which is now legal either medically or recreationally in most states.

The way things stand now employers can ruin lives with a drug test for something legal at the state level or prevent employment.

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bilgewax t1_jaxz97m wrote

Federal government does this too w/ federal DOT requirements for commercial drivers. Had a couple beers yesterday, and then drove today? … no problem at all. Couple hits off a vape three weeks ago? Give us your license. You’re fired.

6

THEBUSKINGS t1_jawlx9v wrote

This is just so someone can have proof it was removed. Says in the article all were scrubbed. Does nothing for MJ related federal cases. ONLY SIMPLE POSSESSION. Not money laundering, not possess with intent. Theres like one person who's thankful for this. Its a show. Its a publicity stunt.

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speaks_truth_2_kiwis t1_jaydx8x wrote

> Its a show. Its a publicity stunt.

People are gobbling that shit up like it's maple bacon.

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Sarcarean t1_jazmre9 wrote

Yep, it's just more propaganda. Stories to make people feel good that actually helped no one.

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adampsyreal t1_jaxdg1k wrote

Let military veterans get all their earned medical benefits, despite having used cannabis -especially in states where it is legal.

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wallstregard t1_jaynfrm wrote

Background check system has turned into a machine of systemic discrimination. For thousands of years if someone committed a crime. When you completed your sentence, back to normal you go.

People need a way out. More serious crimes, put a longer time frame on them. But give everyone a way out if they do the right things. Corporations use the justice system as a job applicant filter

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Sarcarean t1_jazmnx4 wrote

This comment right here is 1000% right. This is the root cause of many issues in society that people ignore while trying to find solutions to issues like homelessness or high crime areas, etc.

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Greecelightninn t1_jawn6e3 wrote

I hope FpsRussia can get his shit dealt with

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dr_herbalist t1_jaxjfwk wrote

This is the first thing i thought. Perhaps after he can own firearms again. I doubt it though.

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pulloutforwhat t1_jawvwap wrote

I’m pretty sure his shit got dealt with…

−4

Greecelightninn t1_jax6lzl wrote

Last I saw he was talking about bernie running again so he can get his record expunged , but he also got state charges I forgot

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BuryTheMoney t1_jaywo1g wrote

Neat.

Federal legalization when ffs

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moistsoup333 t1_jay3eq9 wrote

Why do they have to apply? Just remove all the convictions that don't make sense

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speaks_truth_2_kiwis t1_jaycuwn wrote

>Why do they have to apply? Just remove all the convictions that don't make sense

A pardon doesn't remove a conviction from your record.

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charyoshi t1_jaz7746 wrote

Why not do it automatically? Why make people jump through hoops?

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deck4242 t1_jay991w wrote

Stupid question: why do they have to apply ? Why not remove it for everyone automatically ?

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speaks_truth_2_kiwis t1_jayct40 wrote

>Stupid question: why do they have to apply ? Why not remove it for everyone automatically ?

A pardon doesn't remove a conviction from your record.

1

deck4242 t1_jaycyhz wrote

I mean they could remove it from everybody records with a click on a computer in washington.

1

speaks_truth_2_kiwis t1_jaye9hb wrote

>I mean they could remove it from everybody records with a click on a computer in washington.

Ya I'm pretty sure they could actually expunge the convictions from people's records

"Yes we can! But we're not going to."

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Soywojack t1_jaxsw2e wrote

Does this mean FPS Russia is back?

2

0xWednesdei t1_jaxvus0 wrote

This is great news obviously, but I can’t help but wonder how much it cost society to make it illegal in the first place. All the resources dedicated to enforcing the laws, lost time due to incarceration, job loss because of charges, etc.

Imagine where we would be if that money was dumped into education. It probably would have been more effective in the long run.

2

mcjohnson415 t1_jaych5p wrote

This also won’t restore the damage to peoples lives by these prosecutions. Especially in minority communities, where most of the ‘enforcement’ was done.

2

imdoon t1_jayow10 wrote

Wheres the restitution?

2

SingingPurrmaid t1_jayq156 wrote

This is absurd. So the ones working two or three jobs because they can’t break through above minimum wage when that won’t even pay your rent so don’t have time to file or understand a filing - so the ones who need this most - just fall through the cracks? This needs to be automatic.

2

DistributionOwn6195 t1_jayr1mt wrote

good thing. They were stupid racist laws made like a 100 yrs ago. Alcohol had a much worse effect on the world

2

angry_pecan t1_jayv22m wrote

You should not have to apply if this is country wide; expunge any & all marijuana related charges/records.

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LimeMime565 t1_jayye66 wrote

Biden signed the 90s crime bill people do not ever expect weed to be federally legalized under his administration.

2

Sarcarean t1_jazm8oe wrote

Once again, a false reddit headline designed to be propaganda. The DOJ is starting to issue little certificates, with gold stars, just like they give out in preschool to the good little boys and girls. This action does not, I'll say it again, DOES NOT, remove any conviction from anyone's record.

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1

monkeyhind t1_jaxx20f wrote

Based on the photo I thought this was going to be another incident of someone getting a breaded chicken head in their nugget basket.

1

brokeassdrummer t1_jay74st wrote

I'm sure there's a hefty "processing" fee no? It's all about money

1

Kuwing t1_jay9jt8 wrote

This is a different kind of uplifting

1

Basdad t1_jay9sav wrote

How much more is having their "crime" expunged going to cost them?

1

viol3tsparrow t1_jayarfs wrote

But like why do they have to be the ones to apply?

1

itsmywife t1_jaybw3r wrote

now legalize shrooms please

1

TheManWhoClicks t1_jayc1oe wrote

I wonder what the total amount of damage to society is that politicians and law enforcement inflicted with cannabis being part of their “war on drugs”. Must be in the multiple trillions of $.

1

speaks_truth_2_kiwis t1_jaycip8 wrote

“The President’s pardon lifts barriers to housing, employment and educational opportunities for thousands of people with those prior convictions,”

Maybe. Which makes this disinformation.

If it's up to the federal government (federal jobs and such), this may work. Of course, the Biden admin fired a bunch of people for mj early on, didn't they?

And who knows what future administrations might do.

But a pardon doesn't expunge a conviction from your record.

And an employer can still absolutely refuse to hire a pardoned mj convict.

And a landlord can still absolutely refuse housing.

No one has been or will be released from prison.

The best possible result is a certificate saying you've been pardoned by Joe Biden. Which may actually mean something to some relevant people. Or it may not.

1

Christmas_Panda t1_jayl5k2 wrote

Just expunge it. Don’t waste tax payer dollars for a bureaucratic process. I bet they will charge per application too.

1

[deleted] t1_jaymi7g wrote

Oh no the republicans are gonna shit their pants

1

CharlesIngalls_Pubes t1_jayol13 wrote

Kind of sucks that it's something you should have to apply for. Seems like if you meet certain stipulations, it should be done automatically.

1

Pezdrake t1_jaypyr8 wrote

Do it fast. This may not be a long lasting policy.

1

puddyspud t1_jazfqt4 wrote

Inb4 the incoming GOP lawsuit or inevitable Supreme Court standstill

1

Psychotic_EGG t1_jazpxjx wrote

Now apply? That should be being done without someone applying.

1

jwcyranose t1_jazq22f wrote

LATE! Many have suffered and died!

1

testinggoose t1_jazsdrt wrote

Just paid $3000 to have this done 6 months ago. Excellent timing.

1

Gismo22 t1_jb075ax wrote

But how do you get rid of the arrest?

1

iambobbyhill2015 t1_jb0iwvj wrote

How about automatically remove it instead of wasting all these people’s time applying for it? Crazy right?

1

Justinackermannblog t1_jb0pb9y wrote

Why the fuck do Americans have to “apply” for everything when the government already knows everything they need to know…

1

huffingtontoast t1_jax78s6 wrote

the government pretends to support the people and the people pretend to support the government

liberals will praise Biden for this policy affecting no one, conservatives will bristle at the decline of "law and order," and america will remain the most imprisoned, unfree nation on earth dictated by capitalist swine

0

GooseInternational66 t1_jaxg7cy wrote

Non violent crimes should NOT have jail/prison as a consequence.

0

IPlayTheInBedGame t1_jay472b wrote

Disagree. Possessing a plant shouldn't have jail as a consequence. But there are lots of cases of fraud that I definitely think should result in correctional action. I do think we need reform of how we view the purpose of prison. But Bernie Madoff should definitely be in prison for a little while at least. He should just be taking financial ethics classes and getting therapy while he's in there.

4

GooseInternational66 t1_jay9lfh wrote

I see your point. In America I don’t think the prison system is very good. It’s not correctional at all. It takes people who made a bad choice and turns them into something much worse.

I think all nonviolent crimes can be dealt with a fine, or community service, or rehab, etc.

3

bakedmaga2020 t1_jaz4hir wrote

FPS Russia needs to apply

0

Sarcarean t1_jazn1zl wrote

This action is only applicable to people who are imaginary. People like FPS Russia who actually went to prison are not eligible.

0

Jonesie946 t1_jaxrnc3 wrote

The only person this helps is Joe Biden

−4

Chuckomo t1_jawq5zs wrote

I am happy it all gets legal now, but they broke the law did they not ?

−15

bakedmaga2020 t1_jaz4x8j wrote

How can we begin to correct the mistakes of the war on drugs if we won’t excuse non violent and victimless drug crimes?

2

lordofedging81 t1_jaygpn2 wrote

Yeah! Jaywalkers deserve whatever they get too because they broke the law.

Ruin their lives! /s

1

HaysteRetreat t1_jaxe3wa wrote

One big point of all of this is that people who would otherwise be productive members of society are being prevented from fully contributing to the economy because of their criminal record.

Personal freedoms yaddayadda but the societal point of incarceration and keeping track of convictions is to limit people who would negatively impact the rest of society from doing so.

When laws go too far and you limit productive people, you harm everyone.

So ultimately it's not even about them and whatever sense of "justice" that compels the dumb parts of our human brains to feel its unfair that someone else is able to "get away with" breaking rules when we follow them.

0

alexmbrennan t1_jb0377k wrote

>One big point of all of this is that people who would otherwise be productive members of society

But could they be productive members of society?

If they cannot restrain themselves from taking illegal drugs that come with a significant prison sentence then I don't want them making my burger because food safety rules need to be followed and they have already demonstrated that they are not capable of following rules.

>societal point of incarceration and keeping track of convictions is to limit people who would negatively impact the rest of society from doing so.

If you cannot follow rules then you will negatively impact society. It doesn't matter if it's the speed limit, food safety or fire codes - if you break the rules then people can die.

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HaysteRetreat t1_jb0wy66 wrote

Lol death penalty for jaywalking then.
Or at least right to jail.

The fact that there even is more than one punishment at all is pretty clear that your premise isn't considered true. Every human society has independently agreed that there are different severities to breaking the law. Arguably based on how much the violation negatively impacts society.

If we determine a violation or collection of violations means a person CANT contribute to society with a net positive we typically imprison them for life or send them to Texas and hit them with a brick.

The average American breaks 3 laws per day . Insert joke about the average American* but basically: people aren't perfect, and by extension, law makers and enforcers certainly aren't either. The racial disparity in drug arrests and sentencing is just one example.

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Chuckomo t1_jb17dep wrote

Are you sure you read the comment you are answering to properly?

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