If you are someone who has been convicted of a crime in New Jersey, you understand the ramifications of such a conviction. As if going to jail or prison was not enough, once you are free again, you find yourself facing serious difficulties securing employment, taking out certain loans, or possibly living in certain areas or renting out certain apartments. This can make life extremely complicated for someone who made a mistake and is now ready to change. Fortunately, in New Jersey, certain crimes may be expunged from your record, giving you a clean start. Please continue reading and reach out to our knowledgeable New Jersey criminal defense attorney to learn more about expungement in NJ and how our firm can help you receive one. Here are some of the questions you may have regarding the legal process ahead.
What crimes may not be expunged from my record in NJ?
Unfortunately, in New Jersey, not every crime can be expunged from your record. Some of the crimes that are ineligible for expungement in the state of New Jersey are as follows:
- Robbery
- Kidnapping
- Murder
- Perjury
- Selling a controlled substance
- Aggravated sexual assault
- Arson
How do I know if I qualify for an expungement?
As mentioned above, not everyone is eligible for expungement. However, under most circumstances, the following scenarios will qualify for expungement:
- When someone is arrested though never charged with a crime.
- Most juvenile offenses are eligible for expungement after three years.
- Individuals with 3 or less disorderly persons convictions and one felony conviction may qualify for expungement. Also, if you have 4 disorderly persons offenses and 0 felonies, you may have your record expunged. Finally, there are certain circumstances that with a knowledgeable attorney, you may have more than one felony expunged from your record.
What is the expungement process like in New Jersey?
The first step for expungement is hiring an experienced Camden County criminal defense attorney. He will submit documentation regarding the convictions you wish to have expunged. He will then write a letter to the court regarding all documents filed, including a Petition for Expungement. Finally once certain government agencies receive this information, your attorney will attend a hearing, which is usually a formality that you will not have to attend, and from here, as long as the court believes you deserve the expungement as well, you should get a fresh start!
Contact our experienced New Jersey firm
Thomas DeMarco & Associates, LLC is an experienced Camden County criminal defense law firm located in Mt. Ephraim, New Jersey. We understand how potentially damaging a criminal can be, which is why we pride ourselves in our willingness to fight for our client’s rights. Our firm handles all criminal matters and is ready to provide you with our knowledgeable legal counsel. Do not hesitate to contact our firm to discuss your legal situation.
