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Legislatures Consider Deferment and Sentencing Reform
By Angelyn C. Frazer; Adam Diamond
Rhode Island Deferment Of Sentence Bill
For the majority of individuals convicted and
sentenced to prison, their sentences are further exaggerated by the
various collateral consequences faced after they are released.
Individuals with deferred sentences must serve their time, but their
criminal records are expunged after they complete their sentences,
ensuring their rights are restored. A deferred sentence essentially
allows an individual to re-enter society with as few impediments as
possible.If an individual completes five years of probation
successfully without violating the probationary requirements, Rhode
Island statute § 12-19-19 provides that the defendant’s case will be
dismissed, the defendant will be considered exonerated, and the record
of the complaint and offense will be sealed. In addition, all public
records that discuss the crime will not indicate the identity of the
defendant.
Mike DiLauro of the Rhode Island Public Defender’s
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