---
title: "Can a Rhode Island drug conviction be expunged?"
description: "Most drug convictions in Rhode Island can be expunged after a statutory waiting period. Misdemeanor drug convictions generally require a 5-year waiting period after completion of sentence. Felony..."
url: https://www.chadbanklaw.com/faq-items/can-a-rhode-island-drug-conviction-be-expunged/
date: 2026-05-23
modified: 2026-05-23
author: "The Law Office of Chad F Bank"
type: avada_faq
lang: en
---

# Can a Rhode Island drug conviction be expunged?

Most drug convictions in Rhode Island can be expunged after a statutory waiting period. Misdemeanor drug convictions generally require a 5-year waiting period after completion of sentence. Felony drug convictions require 10 years, with some non-violent felonies eligible after 7 years under the second chance law. You must have no subsequent convictions during the waiting period. Marijuana convictions under since-decriminalized statutes may be eligible for immediate expungement under the second chance law without a waiting period. The Attorney General can object to expungement petitions, particularly for trafficking cases or large-quantity offenses.