Whatcom County Prosecutor Eric Richey Believes Forgiveness Has a Place in the Criminal Justice System

Forgiveness has a place in the criminal justice system, especially when it comes to juveniles who are now adults and productive, contributing members of society.

Recently, a man (G.M.) asked that his 1993-96 juvenile convictions be expunged from a criminal justice agency data base.  When G.M. pled guilty, the court promised him that if he did well and stayed out of trouble for a period of time, he would be able to have his criminal records vacated and sealed.  G.M. did very well and is now gainfully employed mentoring youth.  He paid his debt to society and after time passed, he asked the court to vacate and seal his juvenile records. The court granted his wishes and he believed he had a clean slate going forward.

G.M. continued to do well in his life but, sometime after 2015, he learned that his juvenile records had resurfaced.  G.M. found his juvenile history resurfacing to not only be an embarrassment, but also an obstacle and bar to the rights that most citizens enjoy.

This story made its way to Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Richey and he responded quickly. See here to learn what steps the Prosecutor's Office took to resolve the situation.