U.S. Virgin Islands Governor, Albert Bryan Jr., has urged individuals convicted of possessing two ounces or less of cannabis to come forward for potential expungement.
The call is in alignment with Act No. 8679 which mandates the automatic expungement of certain cannabis-related crimes or offenses involving not more than two ounces of cannabis.
The Governor has stated that the expungement initiative reflects the Island’s commitment to justice and fairness in applying the law in light of recent changes that have made the expungement process more complex than initially intended.
In order to ensure full compliance and address potential gaps in data received from the Judicial Branch of the Virgin Islands, Governor Bryan has requested that individuals impacted by the law to proactively contact the Government House.
Bryan’s Special Advisor, Positive Nelson, is leading an auto expungement task force as required by the Act.
The task force consists of representatives from the office of the Virgin Islands Attorney General, the Office of the Territorial Public Defender, Legal Services of the Virgin Islands, the Virgin Islands Bar Association, and the Virgin Islands Justice Institute.
The Office is encouraging all eligible individuals to come forward and take advantage of the opportunity.
Sean Hocking
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