North Dakota Moves to Restrict Public Access to Certain Criminal Records
North Dakota has initiated a process to restrict public access to criminal records related to cases that resulted in dismissals or acquittals, although certain individuals will need to submit a formal petition to have their records sealed.
Legislation Details and Implementation
According to House Bill 1166, county courts are now mandated to begin closing non-conviction records that were dismissed or resulted in acquittals starting August 1. For cases dismissed or acquitted before this date, individuals must file a petition to request the sealing of their records.
Public Access and Judicial Perspectives
In Fargo, officials explained that while judges and attorneys can still view these records, the general public cannot access them. Jaclyn Hall, executive director of the North Dakota Association of Justice, emphasized the importance of this change for those affected.
Background and Rationale
The move to seal these records follows the North Dakota Supreme Court's removal of a rule that previously prevented remote public access to closed non-conviction cases. Su...