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Pennsylvania passes laws to overhaul probation system, allow courts to seal more criminal records

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Pennsylvania passes laws to overhaul probation system, allow courts to seal more criminal records


Under the state’s existing Clean Slate law, it also allows the sealing of certain nonviolent felonies for those who are conviction-free for 10 years and reduces the waiting period for automated sealing of misdemeanors to seven years, rather than 10 years.

Both bills emerged as part of a nationwide reconsideration of the criminal justice system, to help people leaving incarceration resume their lives and find jobs more easily.

The case of rapper Meek Mill helped shine a light on Pennsylvania’s probation system after he spent most of his adult life on probation — including stints in jail for technical violations — before a court overturned his conviction in a drug and gun case in Philadelphia.

The bill will limit the circumstances under which a non-violent offender on probation can be sent to jail. It does not, however, put a cap on the length of a probation sentence.

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Judges can continue to “stack” probation sentences and impose probation after incarceration, the ACLU said. The bill also fails to provide an automatic or efficient way to end probation early, it said.

Under it, a judge can order an end to probation, regardless of any agreement on a sentence between a prosecutor and the defendant. But judges no longer have wide latitude to extend probation.

Probation is required to end unless the defendant commits a crime that demonstrates that they are a threat to public safety, has not completed certain treatment or has not paid restitution under some circumstances.

The bill also prohibits courts from extending someone’s probation for not paying fines or court costs if they are found to be unable to afford it.



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Pennsylvania

Luigi Mangione arrives at Pennsylvania courthouse

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Luigi Mangione arrives at Pennsylvania courthouse


Luigi Mangione, the man charged in the killing of United Healthcare’s CEO, arrived at a Pennsylvania courthouse early Thursday for a hearing. He may soon be returned to New York

Luigi Mangione, the man charged in the killing of United Healthcare’s CEO, arrived at a Pennsylvania courthouse early Thursday for a hearing. He may soon be returned to New York

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Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey farewell address on Capitol Hill

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Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey farewell address on Capitol Hill


Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey farewell address on Capitol Hill – CBS Philadelphia

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Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey gave a farewell address Wednesday on Capitol Hill.
The Democrat ran for a fourth term but lost to Republican Dave McCormick.
Casey urged senators to support Ukraine, not dictators, crack down on China and invest in children.
Fellow Democratic Senator John Fetterman praised Casey saying he delivered for Pennsylvania.

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Sinkhole opens behind Walgreens at King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

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Sinkhole opens behind Walgreens at King of Prussia, Pennsylvania


Sinkhole opens behind Walgreens at King of Prussia, Pennsylvania – CBS Philadelphia

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Emergency crews have closed off several areas to cars and pedestrians after a large sinkhole opened up in Montgomery County.
The sinkhole is behind a Walgreens along East Dekalb Pike and South Henderson Road in King of Prussia.
This area of King of Prussia has had several other sinkholes open in the past year.
Upper Merion Township police said to avoid the area until further notice.

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