Her case ended with Baltimore prosecutors deciding not to pursue the charge. But Randall - who worked for the state Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services for 15 years - said that after her arrest, she tested positive for drugs and lost her job.
Randall said she received treatment and has not used drugs for almost two years. She is doing janitorial work but wants to get the charge expunged so she can get a job in a parole or probation office.
"When people see 'possession' on your record, they prejudge you," she said.
james.drew@baltsun.com
State law on expungement
Currently, those who have been charged with a crime - except for driving while under the influence or while impaired - can petition for removal of their records from public inspection if they are acquitted, the charge is dismissed or the case ends with probation before judgment. Also, someone is eligible if the prosecutor does not pursue the charge or the case is placed on the stet docket, which means the court has indefinitely postponed it.
* Since Oct. 1, 2007, state law requires automatic expungement of all police records for those who are arrested and released without charge.
* On Oct. 1, 2008, a state law takes effect that enables those who are convicted of some nuisance crimes to seek expungement of criminal records.
