Experienced Burlington And Camden Counties Attorney Helps Clients Obtain Expungements
When a person is convicted of a crime in New Jersey, the conviction is listed on their permanent records. These records are searchable by prospective employers, college admissions counselors, loan officers, mortgage companies and anyone else who performs a background check. A black mark on a criminal record will often prevent someone from getting a good job, loan, lease and more. New Jersey allows people to expunge their criminal records in many types of cases, clearing the way for better opportunities.
If you have a criminal record, you may be entitled to seek an expungement, meaning that information related to your criminal case will be removed from state and local agencies’ records and will not show up in most criminal background checks. An experienced criminal defense attorney can make sure that your expungement application is completed and submitted correctly, giving you the best chance at getting your records expunged. Contact me, attorney Stephen R. Piper, to learn whether your situation qualifies you to clear your record.
New Jersey Expungement Law Defined
Expungement, under New Jersey law, means the “extraction and isolation” of court, jail or law enforcement records relating to a criminal matter (NJ Rev. Stat. § 2C:52-1). This includes records of criminal investigations, arrests, detention and criminal court proceedings. The records are not destroyed but are removed and placed in separate storage for expunged files.
Here is important information to keep in mind:
- Expungement for a felony conviction is available 10 years after the date of sentencing.
- The time period is shorter for lesser offenses.
- Arrests and criminal charges that never result in convictions or other formal dispositions have no waiting period before a person may petition for an expungement.
Note: Even expunged records can be reviewed by prison administrators if you’ve been convicted of subsequent charges.
Which Types Of Criminal Records Are Not Permitted To Be Expunged In New Jersey?
Not all convictions and arrest records are permitted to be expunged by New Jersey law. For example, even though DWI/DUI is a serious crime that carries severe penalties, New Jersey categorizes drunk driving as a traffic offense. Therefore, DUI/DWI convictions may not be expunged.
On a positive note, however, New Jersey does not report DUI convictions to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database. Subsequently, a criminal background check won’t reveal DUI convictions. No one will ever know that a DWI arrest has occurred in New Jersey unless the Motor Vehicle Commission records are checked. In fact, all motor vehicle-related convictions are excluded from being expunged.
There are also several violent crimes that are ineligible for expungement, including:
- Murder
- Kidnapping
- Aggravated sexual assault
- Robbery
- Child endangerment
- Some drug convictions (this depends on the amount and type of drug)
- Convictions involving official corruption
The effects of a criminal charge or criminal conviction can follow you through the rest of your life. However, I can help you take action to get a fresh start. In Moorestown, at The Law Offices of Stephen R. Piper, LLC, I help clients throughout New Jersey by assisting them in getting their criminal records cleared through expungements.
Defense Lawyer Helps Clients Expunge Criminal Records In New Jersey
The expungement process is complex and can be extremely frustrating. It’s important to make sure your application is filed correctly or it will be denied. I have helped countless clients successfully get criminal records expunged. Contact me today for a consultation about your case. I will answer all your questions and explain the expungement process.
If you would like a fresh start with an expungement, I can help. My Moorestown law firm offers flexible scheduling and free off-street parking. I also accept credit cards for all cases. Contact my firm or call me at 856-333-3586 today for a free initial consultation.