I agree with you of course but I wonder how wise it is for governments to follow the strategy of felonies being irrevocable black marks?

That is to say if we rely on the permanent reputation taint as a deterrent then once you’ve been tainted are you not now much more likely to go do more harmful, felonious things?

I don’t know much about felonies though — perhaps they can be expunged after X years of good behaviour?