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Bill Would Require Return Of Arrest Records When Witness Recants

State Capitol - file photo. Photo by Cheyna Roth, Michigan Public Radio Network
Cheyna Roth
/
Michigan Public Radio Network
The Michigan Capitol building in Lansing where the State House recently passed a proposal that would allow residents to formally reject discriminatory language in housing deeds.

(MPRN-Lansing) A state lawmaker says arrest records should be cleared in cases where someone is falsely accused of a crime. 

State Representative Pete Lucido says that should include returning mug shots, fingerprints, and any DNA evidence if a primary witness changes their story and charges are dropped. He says people falsely accused of a crime can still have that history follow them. 

“If somebody recants, and the prosecution – the people that brought the charges – dismiss, why shouldn’t I be made whole – put in the same position as I was prior to this stuff being instituted, these charges.”

Lucido says arrest records affect job prospects and school applications. His bill is waiting for a vote in the state House.

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