A criminal record can affect many parts of your life. It can make it harder to get a job, rent a home or apply for college.
In New Jersey, the law allows some people to clear their criminal records through a process called expungement.
What is expungement?
Expungement means that the court removes certain records from public view. This process can give you a second chance by allowing you to move forward without the burden of a criminal past.
What kind of offenses can I expunge?
Several types of offenses may qualify for expungement. These include arrests that did not lead to a conviction, certain disorderly persons offenses and some indictable offenses. The rules depend on the type of offense and how much time has passed.
How do I expunge my record?
New Jersey offers different paths to expungement. One option is a standard expungement, which requires a waiting period. For example, you may need to wait five years after completing your sentence, probation or payment of fines before applying. In some cases, the waiting period may drop to four years if there is good cause.
Another option is an early pathway expungement. This applies to people who finish their sentence but have not met the full waiting period. The court may still grant expungement if you show that it is in the public interest.
New Jersey also has a clean slate expungement for people with multiple convictions. If ten years have passed since finishing the most recent sentence, a person may request to clear all eligible records at once.
The expungement process requires gathering documents, filing a petition with the court and possibly attending a hearing. If approved, the court will order the removal of records from public access. Those who qualify may find that expungement opens doors that once seemed closed.