It was a month of celebration for many folks in the state of California in February as thousands of marijuana convictions had been officially reduced or dismissed.
A Superior Court judge in San Diego allowed almost 26,000 people who had felony marijuana convictions on their records to have these convictions reduced to less misdemeanor conviction.
Around 1,000 people with misdemeanor marijuana convictions even had their cases completely dismissed.
A three page order was signed by San Diego County Superior Court Judge Eugenia A. Eyherabide on Feb. 5th.
Although the charges have been altered, it may take some time to update individual court records to reflect the changes.
The system is now working through those logistics according to San Diego County Superior Court spokeswoman Emily Cox.
People who are interested in clearing their records can do so through San Diego’s Fresh Start program, said Deputy Public Defender Kate Braner.
Eyherabide’s order took effect immediately but it will take time update individual records and this could cause problems for people who undergo background checks or checks for certain licenses that rely on scouring court records.
That program can be contacted at Fresh.Start@sdcounty.gov.
