New Jersey Expungement Attorney

Any sort of criminal history will put you at a disadvantage in life. With background checks being so widely used, it is unlikely that you will be able to get the job of your dreams or rent a decent apartment with certain convictions on your criminal record. Under federal law, if you were convicted of a felony or domestic violence misdemeanor, your firearm privileges will be permanently revoked. You will be unable to protect yourself if you are in danger.

This all occurs after you have served time in prison, paid steep fines, and paid restitution to the victim. While incarcerated, besides being stripped of your freedom, your civil liberties will be taken away. That includes your right to vote.

At The Law Offices of Christopher St. John, we understand the toll that one simple mistake can have on your life. Depending on the criminal offense, you may be eligible to have your record expunged. An expungement can open doors of opportunity, and our legal team is ready to help you achieve your goals.

What is Expungement?

Most people fail to realize that you do not have to be formally charged to have a criminal record. Dismissed or dropped charges also show up on a background check, making it difficult to pursue future endeavors.

For many people, the best solution is to have your record expunged. This means that New Jersey courts order the removal or isolation of criminal records. The process of getting your record expunged is complicated, requiring that you follow the process carefully and do not make mistakes.

In being granted an expungement, the following information will be erased from your record:

• Your arrest
• Court proceedings related to your case
• A criminal or juvenile conviction
• The outcome of your case, including sentence terms

What Criminal Offenses Are Eligible for Expungement?

Under New Jersey law, most felonies can be expunged, with the exception of more serious crimes. The state limits ex-convicts to being granted an expungement for no more than one indictable conviction and three disorderly conduct offenses or petty disorderly persons offenses. You must wait five years after your sentence terminates, although some individuals may be eligible for expungement after four years.

Serious crimes that are not eligible for expungement would include:

• Criminal homicide
• Kidnapping
• Arson
• False imprisonment
• Robbery
• Arson
• Distribution or manufacturing of illicit substances
• Aggravated sexual assault
• Perjury
• Terrorism

Clean Slate Act

Under NJ Rev Stat §2C:52-5.3, known as the “Clean Slate Act,” certain offenses are eligible for expungement after ten years have passed. The ten-year period would begin after the individual’s last conviction, fines, completion of probation or parole, or release from prison.

New Jersey law refers to felonies as “crimes.” Under the statute, an individual may be able to expunge one or more felony convictions, one or more disorderly conduct convictions, or a combination of the two.

Contact an Experienced New Jersey Expungement Attorney Today

Navigating the process effectively requires the help of an expungement attorney. At The Law Offices of Christopher St. John our legal team is prepared to assist you, from drafting your expungement petition to when you receive the final expungement order.

If you are wondering if your crime qualifies for expungement, do not hesitate to contact our office to schedule your free consultation. We can be reached by phone at 856-296-3481 or by filling out our online contact form.