How Do Expungements Work in NJ?

Successful expungements in NJ involve effectively removing, sealing, or isolating all criminal records on file with the court, criminal justice or law enforcement agency, and correctional or detention facility. More specifically, an expungement erases information about your arrest, juvenile or criminal conviction, all court proceedings relevant to your case, and the results of your case.

Having a criminal record can leave a life-altering stigma long after you have served time. You may find it difficult to secure proper employment, a professional license, or an educational degree. Depending on your conviction, you may also lose certain civil rights, such as your right to own a firearm.

To learn more about how expungements work in NJ and how the law applies to your specific situation, discuss your case with an experienced Cumberland County expungement attorney right away.

Do I Qualify for Expungement in Cumberland County, NJ?

Qualifying for expungement mainly depends on the specific record you want to expunge. For instance, individuals with criminal cases that don’t involve a conviction must complete the waiting period to have their charging, booking, and arrest records expunged. If you are seeking to have a conviction record expunged, however, you must satisfy stricter requirements, such as:

• You can’t have pending charges to qualify for expungement
• You must have completed your sentence and any waiting period
• You can’t have a subsequent conviction

You should also know that certain crimes do not qualify for expungement in NJ. Talk to a Cumberland, NJ, expungement attorney to check whether or not your conviction is eligible for expungement.

What Are The Types of Expungements in Cumberland County, NJ?

If you have an eligible conviction, you may have your criminal records expunged through any of these expungement options:

Traditional or Regular Expungement

This expungement type is mainly based on the level of offense instead of the type of crime. You can request to have your records expunged for one offense and three disorderly person crimes or a combination of five petty disorderly persons or disorderly person crimes. A five-year waiting period after completing your most recent conviction applies. Depending on the specific records you want to expunge, you may be ineligible if you have a subsequent conviction. Additionally, the court may waive certain requirements depending on your specific circumstances.

Clean Slate Expungement

In NJ, eligible criminal records will be automatically expunged if ten years or more have passed since the individual has completed their conviction for eligible crimes, petty disorderly person crimes, and disorderly person crimes.

Drug-Related Expungements

If you successfully complete drug court, you can request to have your records expunged if you don’t have any convictions after or during your probation. Convictions involving marijuana or hashish are eligible for regular, expedited, or automatic expungement. However, the court can deny your request for expungement if you have a conviction for an ineligible crime.

Reach Out to Our Experienced Cumberland County Expungement Attorney

Ready for a fresh start? If you’re unsure whether you qualify for expungement or need advice regarding your specific circumstances, our Cumberland County expungement attorney at The Law Offices of Christopher St. John is here to help. Dial 856-296-3481 or contact us online to arrange your free consultation with our Cumberland County expungement attorney.