Expungement is the process of removing a criminal record from your public record. In New Jersey, expungement can be a complex and lengthy process, but it can be a crucial step toward moving on from past mistakes and getting a fresh start.
To be eligible for expungement in New Jersey, you must meet certain criteria. First, you must have completed all the terms of your sentence, including probation and any fines or restitution ordered by the court. You must also wait a certain amount of time before applying for expungement. This waiting period varies depending on the offense you were convicted of, and ranges from 6 months to 10 years.
Once you are eligible, you must file a Petition for Expungement with the court. This requires a thorough review of your criminal record, and it is recommended that you seek the assistance of an experienced attorney to help with this process.
The court will review your petition and may schedule a hearing to determine whether or not you are eligible for expungement. If your petition is granted, your criminal record will be sealed, and you will be able to legally deny that the offense ever occurred. Most of the time, if your case is an ideal candidate for expungement, a hearing will not be necessary.
If you are interested pursuing an expungement, give us a call at 201-598-5019 to discuss your options.