Basseterre, Saint Kitts, June 12, 2025 – The Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs advises the public that persons with certain criminal convictions may now have their records cleared, also known as “expunged,” under the Criminal Records (Rehabilitation of Offenders) Act.
Automatic Expungement for Minor Cannabis Offences
If you were convicted of simple cannabis possession (56 grams of cannabis or less, or 15 grams of resin or less), or for cultivations where the sentence imposed was imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years, your conviction has already been expunged by law. You do not need to apply.
Who Needs to Apply?
If your conviction does not fall into the cannabis categories above, but you meet one of the following rehabilitation periods without reoffending, you may apply using Form I:
| Sentence Received | Wait Time (Rehabilitation Period) |
| Non-custodial sentence (e.g. fine) | 3 years |
| Imprisonment ≤ 6 months | 5 years |
| Imprisonment between 6–18 months | 8 years |
| Imprisonment between 18 months–3 yrs | 10 years |
Submit Form I at the Criminal Records Department, Basseterre Police Station, Monday–Thursday, 8:30–10:00 AM.
Special Committee Review – Form II
If your conviction does not meet the criteria above, you may still request a review by the Criminal Records (Rehabilitation of Offenders) Committee by submitting Form II to the Attorney General’s Office.
This independent committee—made up of legal, law enforcement, and rehabilitation professionals—reviews applications fairly and confidentially.
Offences That Cannot Be Expunged
Expungement is not allowed for serious crimes such as: Murder or Manslaughter; Treason; Sexual offences; or Firearms and Ammunition offences. These are permanently recorded.
More Information
Call the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs at 869-467-1013. Forms are available at the Criminal Records Department, Basseterre Police Station.