Many people do not realize how heavily a criminal record can impact their future. Read on to learn more about the long-term consequences of a criminal record in New Jersey and your options when it comes to expungement.
What are the long-term consequences of a criminal record?
A criminal record can impact you in a number of ways throughout your life. For example, a record can affect:
- Job opportunities: The majority of job applications will ask whether you have a criminal record. This can impact your employment opportunities.
- Housing options: Many landlords will also ask about your criminal history before allowing you to sign a lease.
- Financing: A criminal record may make it difficult to obtain certain loans.
- Child custody: When it comes to custody issues, a court may take your criminal record into account.
What is an expungement?
Luckily, you may be able to have your record expunged. Expungement is a process that allows you to essentially seal your criminal record. This means that your record will only be accessible to certain members of law enforcement.
Do I qualify for expungement?
You may be eligible for expungement if:
- You were arrested but never charged with a crime.
- You were arrested for a juvenile offense.
- You have 3 or fewer disorderly persons convictions and one felony conviction.
- You have 4 disorderly persons offenses and 0 felonies.
What crimes are ineligible for expungement?
It is important to know that not all crimes are eligible for expungement. Some of the crimes ineligible for expungement include:
- Robbery
- Kidnapping
- Murder
- Perjury
- Selling a controlled substance
- Aggravated sexual assault
- Arson
How Long Before My Record is Expunged?
Your criminal record cannot be expunged immediately. But, the amount of time you must wait depends upon the crime.
- Municipal violations can be expunged after just 2 years.
- Disorderly persons offenses can be expunged after 5 years.
- Certain felonies (indictable offenses) require a waiting period of 10 years.
If you are facing criminal charges, you will need the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Contact our firm today to discuss your case.
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 on 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.
