Blog Posts - Expungements
Navigating the Expungement Process: Tips from an Experienced Lawyer
If you have been prosecuted for a crime in New Jersey, you may be imprisoned, fined, ordered to pay restitution, and, in some cases, required to perform community service. Even after your sentence is complete, you may face collateral consequences. These consequences can impede your ability to find suitable housing...
Read MoreAn expungement can help you deal with your criminal record
It may be years after you had a run-in with the law or did time, and you have since become a law-abiding citizen. However, the fact that you have a criminal past can prevent you from leading a fulfilling life. When your criminal history shows up in a background check,...
Read MoreWhat Is Early Expungement?
In New Jersey, expungement is when a person who has committed a misdemeanor or felony applies to have their offense removed from their record early. Generally, a person who commits a felony must wait five years from the date they completed their sentence, including payment of fines and completion of...
Read MoreCan False Imprisonment Charges Be Expunged?
There are an estimated 70 to 100 million Americans living outside of prisons with criminal records, according to the Brennan Center for Justice. Criminal records present a constant barrier to employment, housing, and banking applications, often nixing the applicant from a list of acceptable candidates. While being arrested for a...
Read MoreCan a Felony Be Expunged?
A felony can be expunged in New Jersey. In New Jersey, a person who commits a felony must wait five years from the date they completed their sentence, including payment of fines and completion of probation, to seek expungement. A person seeking misdemeanor expungement must also wait five years from...
Read MoreCan My Marijuana Conviction Be Expunged?
There are hundreds of thousands of New Jersey residents who were arrested on marijuana charges over the past two decades. Since New Jersey voters decided to legalize recreational marijuana in 2021, there are many people who may be wondering if their marijuana conviction could be expunged. The bill was signed...
Read MoreWhat Crimes Cannot Be Expunged in New Jersey?
Having a criminal conviction expunged means that your permanent criminal record is effectively “sealed” or erased in the eyes of the law. There are many positive reasons to have a conviction expunged. Having a criminal record can prevent you from certain types of employment, housing, education, and professional licensing opportunities....
Read MoreHow Long Does the Expungement Process Take?
Getting a quick expungement is critical for people who are looking for a job, home, license, or looking to attend school. It is important to note that the expungement process can take some time before it is finished due to a variety of factors. When an individual files for an...
Read MoreHow Do I Get My Criminal Record Expunged?
If you have a criminal record, you may wonder how to get charges expunged. If you wish to undergo the expungement process, you should speak with an experienced lawyer. A lawyer can assemble your documents and prepare your petition to the court. After any waiting period is over, the lawyer...
Read MoreWhat Crimes can be Expunged?
There are many people who have been convicted of a crime in the past who feel they may never lead a normal life again. Fortunately, some people are eligible for expungement. Expungement removes a conviction from an individual’s criminal record, making it unavailable through state and federal repositories. However, not...
Read MoreWhat is the Expungement Process?
The expungement process is broken down into four steps. In order for this plea to run smoothly, the individual must obtain their criminal record, draft a petition for expungement, prepare for their hearing, and hopefully move on to gain a second chance. A lawyer can help with the entire expungement...
Read MoreCan I Have My Juvenile Criminal Record Expunged?
Crimes committed at the age of 17 years old or younger are considered juvenile crimes, and they will be tried with the offender’s age in mind. The sentence will be appropriate for a juvenile and take into account the juvenile’s behavior and past history. Often, juvenile criminal records are sealed...
Read MoreCan I Get an Expungement for Multiple Convictions?
New Jersey allows those who receive multiple convictions the opportunity to erase them or expunge them from their permanent record. The process is complicated as some convictions are eligible and others are not. A person may be able to get multiple convictions expunged, but it depends on several factors. The...
Read MoreWhen am I Eligible for Expungement?
If a person has only been indicted for one offense throughout their lifetime, they are eligible for expungement in the state of New Jersey. If a person has been indicted on two indictable offenses, they will not be eligible for expungement. Clearing up an eligible criminal record can provide benefits...
Read MoreNew Jersey’s “Clean Slate” Law Greatly Expands Expungement Eligibility
On December 18, 2019, Governor Murphy signed Senate Bill 4154 into law. Effective June 15, 2020, many individuals, who were previously ineligible for expungement will now be permitted to take advantage of this significant change in the law. The Clean Slate provision permits individuals who would otherwise be ineligible to...
Read MoreHow do I Clear my Criminal Record?
Making a mistake and receiving a criminal charge can completely change your life, and the life of your family and friends. A criminal charge can lead to expensive fines, potential jail time, the inability to vote, or the loss of your license among other things. Clearing your record is the...
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Christopher St. John
Tess Berkowitz