A new law meant to give some felons a second chance by expunging their criminal records is causing confusion and disagreement.
The law allows people convicted of certain felonies, including theft and drug possession, to have those felonies expunged after certain conditions are met. Multiple felonies can be expunged if they stem from a "single incident."
The Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer reports the first expungement hearings in Daviess County took place last week.
On Wednesday, Daviess Circuit Judge Jay Wethington said charges included in the same indictment could be considered a single incident, even if the offenses occurred on different days. He expunged a record over the objections of the Commonwealth Attorney's Office. On Thursday, Judge Joe Castlen made a similar ruling.
Wethington said the legislature needs to clarify the law.
