Certain persons with criminal records in NEW JERSEY EXPUNGEMENT may be eligible to have their records isolated or sealed under the state’s expungement processes. While having a criminal record might make acquiring a job or renting an apartment difficult, expungement is a viable legal alternative to investigate.
But, in New Jersey, the procedure to get a record expunged might take a while. There are queues and delays in processing requests and applications.
Consultation with a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer may help you determine whether you qualify for expedited expungement.
The Expungement: What Is It?
By filing for expungement, you may be able to have some information about your arrest or conviction sealed from public view. While doing a background check, prospective employers, for instance, cannot locate the erased record. If you have successfully expunged your record, you can say “no” when asked if you have a criminal history unless you are applying for a position in law enforcement or the armed forces.
When a record is expunged, it is deleted from all accessible public databases.
- Criminal histories
- Infractions of local regulations
- Those with a criminal record for insubordination
- Acquittals of lesser crimes
- Felony convictions as a minor
- Felonies for drug use before the age of 21
Expedited expungements are available in some circumstances. The case can be dropped and expunged immediately if the prosecution drops the charges or the defendant is found not guilty at trial. Some convictions involving marijuana or hashish may qualify for expedited expungement.
In New Jersey, expungement is only possible for certain offenses.
- Homicide
- Forcible confinement and kidnapping
- Megan’s Law addresses sexual assault and related crimes.
- Arson \sRobbery \sTerrorism
- Certain Crimes Related to Drug Distribution
- Assault in the Second Degree
- Infractions of traffic law, such as a DUI arrest or conviction
One indictable conviction and up to three convictions for disorderly conduct or petty disorderly conduct may be expunged.
How to Expunge a Criminal Record
No waiting period after having charges dropped before an arrest record is made public
- Dismissal of charges through pretrial intervention lasting six months
- Six-month supervised release for some drug charges
- One year for drug possession
- Two years for infractions of city ordinances
- Three years for juvenile crimes
- Offenders facing three to five years in prison for disorderly conduct
- Five years for indictable offenses
- Ten years of “clean slate” erasure
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