How to Expunge Your Criminal Record

Let’s say you are going to a new job and you are asked the dreaded question: Have you ever been convicted of a crime? There was that one time you were arrested for underage drinking in college, an event that has haunted you for the majority of your adult life. Because of this deed, you have trouble getting a job, renting an apartment, or even enter military service. But how can you get rid of this black mark on your record?

Well, there is a way to clear up your record and start fresh. You can either have your record sealed, which means your criminal record will be sealed and hidden from the general public or expunged, which means the record can be destroyed. In New Jersey, in order to have your offense expunged, it has to meet the following criteria:

• The crime and punishment happened more than 10 years ago
• You currently have no charges pending against you
• You have no other convictions in any state against you
• You have less than three disorderly or petty disorderly violations
• You have not been granted a dismissal of charges
• You haven’t had a previous conviction expunged

The only crimes that cannot be expunged in New Jersey are motor vehicle offenses, such as DUIs.

To expunge your record, you will need evidence of your eligibility. You will need the following information: date of arrest; statute and offense of the conviction; the number of the complaint, indictment, docket, accusation, or summons; date of verdict or dismissal; and the details of the disposition. For more information on expungement in New Jersey, click here.

Want to clean up the record? Contact us today for a free consultation.

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