East Rutherford NJ Expungement Attorneys
Expungement Lawyers in Bergen County, New Jersey
A blemish on your record — even a small transgression from many years ago — can disqualify you for a job, prevent you from coaching a youth sports team, deny you the right to adopt a child, and spell many other serious ramifications. To protect yourself and your future, it is critical to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney about keeping your permanent record clear of any criminal convictions or arrests. When a person is arrested in New Jersey, the arrest goes on their criminal record. If that same person later pleads guilty to the criminal charges, or is convicted at trial, the conviction also goes on their record. While the best way to avoid a criminal record is to get the charges dismissed altogether, this is not always possible, especially in a case that involves a threat of physical violence because prosecutors are often reluctant to drop the charges entirely. To make matters worse, even if you do manage to get the charges dropped, there will still be a record of the arrest, as well as a record of you being charged with the crime in the first place.
The good news is that New Jersey allows most individuals who have been charged with a disorderly persons offense or an indictable offense to get rid of the record of their arrest and/or conviction through a process known as “expungement.” The Superior Court of New Jersey has the authority to expunge the record of a criminal arrest or conviction in the State of New Jersey. Once the court enters an expungement order, the criminal offense is deemed to never to have happened. A person may legally respond with the answer of “no” to any questions asking whether he or she has ever been arrested, convicted, or charged with a crime or disorderly person offense. Additionally, a criminal background check will indicate that the person has no criminal record. (The only exceptions are applications for a job as a law enforcement officer or in the judicial branch of government.)
Although it is possible to represent yourself during an expungement process, hiring an experienced attorney assures you that your case will be submitted, argued, and resolved as efficiently as possible. At The Tormey Law Firm, with offices in Hackensack, New Jersey, we often represent individuals who seek to have their New Jersey criminal records expunged. This process is as rewarding to us as it is to our clients, as we enjoy providing you with a new start and a clean slate to pursue your goals. Contact (201)-330-4979 to discuss expunging your criminal record with an attorney who can personally advise and assist you. Consultations are always provided free of charge.
Types of Expungements in New Jersey
Below is a list of the types of expungements allowed in New Jersey:
- Expungement of an arrest
- Expungement of a disorderly persons offense (misdemeanor)
- Expungement of indictable (felony) charges
- Expungement of a municipal ordinance violation
- Expungement of PTI or conditional discharge
- Expungement for young drug offenders
What Crimes Can You Expunge from Your Record in New Jersey?
We have assisted individuals in expunging a multitude of crimes from their records, some of which include:
- Disorderly conduct
- Underage drinking
- Possession of a fake ID
- Simple assault
- Shoplifting
- Possession of marijuana
What Crimes are Ineligible for Expungement in New Jersey?
The State does not allow some criminal convictions to be expunged. These ineligible crimes include:
- Homicide (except vehicular homicide)
- Kidnapping
- Luring, enticing, or solicitation
- Aggravated sexual assault
- Aggravated criminal sexual contact
- Robbery
- Arson and related crimes
- Endangering the welfare of a child (by sexual conduct)
- Terrorism
Contact our Bergen County, New Jersey Firm for a Free Expungement Consultation
Having a criminal record can cause significant problems for you later in life when you apply for a job, attempt to secure housing, or seek a loan. In the reverse, an expunged charge can change your life for the better. You won’t have to worry about your friends, family, co-workers, or future employers learning about a past mistake or indiscretion. If you would like to meet with one of our talented expungement lawyers, call (201)-330-4979 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a free consultation.