speaks_truth_2_kiwis t1_jaydi3j wrote on March 5, 2023 at 12:46 AM

Reply to comment by bubleve in People convicted of a federal cannabis possession charge can now apply to have the conviction removed from their records by OregonTripleBeam

> The relief was automatic...

A pardon doesn't remove a conviction from your record.

No one has been or will be released from prison.

The fact that a convict has been pardoned may or may not change the mind of an employer, landlord, etc.

In that context, a cute little certificate saying that you were pardoned is probably worth a tiny little Something, to someone. Hopefully.

bubleve t1_jayjlht wrote on March 5, 2023 at 1:37 AM

You are right, but:

> “a pardon removes or prevents the attachment of all consequences that are based on guilt for the offense,”

https://www.justice.gov/file/451106/download

I would suspect that standard employment/housing discriminatory practices would be in play. Pretty sure Congress would have to expunge the records.

speaks_truth_2_kiwis t1_jayslx4 wrote on March 5, 2023 at 2:52 AM

They just have to give no reason (or a vague, boilerplate reason "we don't think this candidate is a good fit for our organization"), of course, and they can refuse to hire for almost anything.

Anyway, quick research appears to confirm that a US employer can refuse to hire a pardoned convict based on their criminal record.

MouthJob t1_jays14v wrote on March 5, 2023 at 2:47 AM

You can suspect whatever you want. As long as they make up some other random bullshit to actually say out loud, they can see it in all kinds of screwed up ways in their own screwed up head all they want.

bubleve t1_jayt10k wrote on March 5, 2023 at 2:56 AM

Also, as far as I know expunging records is an act of congress not the president. So it is a moot point and Biden has done what he can legally.