Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Kim Wilkerson said a total of 43 people had their convictions cleared for cannabis possession, to date
16 more Bermudians had their criminal cannabis records cleared after being expunged by the Attorney General in her first year of office.
AG and Minsiter of Justice Senator Kim Wilkerson approved the decisions under the Expungement of Convictions Act 2021 clearing conviction from a person’s criminal record for possession of under 7 grams of the psychoactive drug.
Encouraging eligible persons to apply to have their records expunged, AG Wilkerson stated, “This Government is committed to fairness, rehabilitation, and ensuring that people who have earned a second chance can receive it.”
She added: “This is a fair and transparent process that has already helped 43 people obtain a fresh start.”
Applications are available on the government’s website or in hard copy at the AG’s Chambers in Hamilton.
Cannabis was decriminalised in 2017 under the ruling PLP government.
How to Apply for Expungement
1. Application Submission
- In Person: Collect and submit the Expungement Application Form at the Attorney General’s Chambers.
- Online: Download and submit the form via the Government of Bermuda website: www.gov.bm.
2. Acknowledgement of Receipt
- Online submissions: Applicants will receive an automatic email confirming receipt.
- In-person submissions: Applicants will receive a date-stamped copy of their application for their records.
3. Transmission to the Bermuda Police Service (BPS)
The Attorney General’s Chambers will prepare a cover letter and forward it with the application to the Bermuda Police Service, requesting the applicant’s full criminal record.
4. Review of Criminal Record
The criminal history is reviewed to determine whether the conviction(s) meet the eligibility criteria for expungement.
5. Determination and Response
- Ineligible convictions: Applicants receive a refusal letter signed by the Attorney General.
- Eligible convictions: Applicants receive an approval letter and an official Expungement Order, with copies also provided to the BPS.
6. Recordkeeping
All application materials and decisions are securely maintained in accordance with records management policies.
