What crimes can be expunged in New Jersey?

On Behalf of | Jan 15, 2025 | Expungement |

Everyone makes mistakes. Sadly, these mistakes can sometimes lead to a criminal record that follows you for years. Your record can hold you back from getting your dream job, finding a place to live or pursuing higher education.

Thankfully, New Jersey’s expungement process may help you clear certain offenses from your record and give you the fresh start you deserve.

Offenses that qualify for expungement

Your offense might qualify if it falls under these categories:

  • Disorderly persons offenses: Misdemeanors or disorderly persons offenses qualify after a certain waiting period.
  • Indictable offenses: Courts may expunge some felonies or indictable crimes, but these usually have a longer waiting period than misdemeanors.
  • Juvenile delinquency records: Most juvenile offenses qualify for removal from your records once you turn 18.
  • Arrests not resulting in conviction: If the court dismissed the charges, you can request to have them cleared from your records.
  • Municipal ordinances: Examples of municipal ordinances include noise ordinances or zoning violations.

You may qualify for New Jersey’s “clean slate” expungements if you have a crime-free record for several years after completing your sentence. For felonies, this is 10 years, but for misdemeanors, it’s only five years.

Crimes that stay on your record permanently

Many serious offenses are on your record forever. In New Jersey, you can’t remove the following types of crimes from your record:

  • Violent crimes, ranging from murder to aggravated assault
  • Sex offenses, such as sexual assault and prostitution
  • White-collar crimes like fraud, embezzlement and forgery
  • Crimes by public officials, such as bribery or corruption
  • Any crime involving a minor, like child abuse

Take note that drunk driving or driving under the influence (DUI) convictions also do not qualify for removal from your criminal record.

Taking the next step toward a clean slate

You deserve a second chance—and expungement can greatly help you get the fresh start you need. Even with offenses that aren’t eligible for expungement, you may still have other options, like getting a certificate of rehabilitation.

Consider speaking with an experienced criminal defense attorney specializing in record expungement. They can help you explore other ways to move forward with your life and put your past behind you.

 

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