The Benefits of Expungement: Why Clearing Your Record Matters

The long-term effects of having a criminal conviction on your record can be immense and can directly interfere with your future plans and goals. The benefits of expungement, or having a criminal conviction removed from your record, are difficult to overstate, and if you meet the eligibility requirements, expungement may be an excellent option for you. Discuss your unique situation with an experienced Cherry Hill, New Jersey, expungement attorney today.

Expungements in New Jersey

In New Jersey, expungements are available for both indictable offenses, which are generally called felonies in other states, and disorderly persons offenses, which most other states call misdemeanors. Very serious, violent crimes remain ineligible for expungement. Before an expungement can be sought, there are specific waiting periods that apply. These must pass without any further convictions, and they begin once all supervision ends. Finally, early pathways are sometimes available, but compelling circumstances must apply.

Once Expunged

Once you have a charge expunged in New Jersey, it is deemed never to have happened. Except when there are other related provisions under the law, this means that – once your expungement is granted – you can answer any questions related to the following as if they never happened:

• Your arrest
• Your conviction
• All related proceedings 

Putting the Social Consequences of a Conviction Behind You

The sentence and fines you faced because of a criminal conviction were challenging enough, but you may not have banked on the difficulties you’d face once all that was behind you. The social consequences alone could derail your plans and make moving ahead with your life far more daunting. Because your criminal record is a matter of public record, you could face all the following social challenges:

• Your job opportunities may be seriously limited. 
• Your professional license could be affected or even voided.
• Your overall standing in the community can be seriously diminished.
• You may have fewer opportunities to seek further education in pursuit of your career goals.
• Landlords may be hesitant to rent to you, and you may have difficulty securing a home loan.
• Your car and life insurance options may be limited, and you can expect to pay more.

Expunging your record can lift each of these burdens, cleaning the slate for a fresh start.

Your Right to Possess a Firearm

As a result of a conviction for any of the following, you lose your right to possess a firearm:

• An indictable offense
• Some juvenile offenses
• A disorderly persons offense that involved domestic violence

With an expungement – after successfully completing the set waiting period – you’ll also regain your right to possess a firearm.

Consult with an Experienced Cherry Hill Expungement Attorney Today

The practiced expungement attorneys at The Law Offices of Christopher St. John – proudly serving Cherry Hill, New Jersey – recognize the immense benefits that expungement can play in your life and will spare no effort in their focused pursuit of a successful expungement on your behalf. Clearing your record is important, so please don’t wait to contact us online or call 856-403-3926 for more information today.