Certain Minor Offenses to Be Automatically Expunged Under New Policy

While the Criminal Expungement Board will review individual applications for certain offenses, there is a list of petty offenses that can be expunged automatically upon application. Last week, it was announced that convictions for a first offense for possession of cannabis or cannabis resin where the fine did not exceed $1,000 can be automatically cleared. Additionally, first-time lawbreakers of offenses related to COVID-19 violations would also be automatically cancelled. Chairman of the Board, Leslie Hamilton noted that the move is progressive and explained how it will positively impact citizens convicted of minor crimes. 

Lelise Hamilton, Chairman, Criminal Expungement Board: “Many times these petty offenses, they serve as obstacles for the defendant to seek meaningful employment. So the wisdom of it then is to have these records expunged, removed, to rehabilitate the individual. These offenses, they are less contentious than 10 years ago. Ten years ago, through legislation, what I think it was 10 grams of marijuana was decriminalized. So it becomes less contentious now. So we are moving forward in this rehabilitation. We are moving forward in getting the individual back into society as a productive person or persons. So it’s not as contentious as before. Now having said that, the whole judicial system is moving forward and this, in my view, is just a part of it. In other words, it’s progressive.”

The application fee is a hundred dollars. Applications can be picked up in person at Ministry of Human Development offices nationwide, the Hub Resource Center in Belize City, or downloaded online from the Ministry of Home Affairs website.