Your criminal record shouldn’t have to follow you for life, which is the purpose of an expungement. New Jersey does allow the expungement of some criminal records but you will need to complete certain steps to receive it.
Consider Working With An Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer
You do not necessarily need to work with a lawyer to have your record expunged, but doing so can ensure that you submit the proper documentation. This can also help to speed up the process.
Obtain A Copy Of Your Criminal Records
Having a copy of your criminal records can help you determine when, and where, to file for an expungement. You will need a copy of your Judgment of Conviction, as well as Disposition. You can usually request a copy of your criminal records from the courthouse. We can also obtain a copy of your record through a written request, but this process can take longer.
Create And Notarize The Petition
Your lawyer can draft the expungement petition. Once it is completed, you will need to sign it and get it notarized. Once this step is complete, your lawyer will file the petition for you. Some cases may require the petition to include other documents, but your lawyer will take care of that for you.
Serve The Expungement Petition
Once the court sends back a copy of the expungement and lists it as filed, we will need to serve the copy to each of the required government agencies. Your lawyer can track down a list of all associated agencies.
Schedule Your Hearing Date
Depending on the details of your case, the court may assign a hearing date on which you will have to attend. During this hearing date, they may ask additional questions or they may ask for more time to make their decision. However, in most cases, the court will not require that you attend the hearing date. That is unless someone objects to your expungement request.
Serve The Order
If the judge approves your expungement request, then we will need to serve the order to the appropriate agencies. This includes all associated court systems, police departments, FBI, or any other reporting agencies. This informs them that they can remove your charges from the system. This completes your expungement.
How Long Does An Expungement Take?
It is possible to complete the whole process in six months or less, but certain steps can slow it down. For example, if we’re unable to track down a copy of your criminal records or your petition is denied, it can take longer than that. It is important to choose a lawyer who understands the timeliness of your expungement request.
Certain slow-downs in the court, such as a greater number of expungement requests than usual, can also slow down the process. It can also take some time for each agency to update its records and remove the charges from its system. The process may be time-consuming but is worth it to have your criminal charges removed from your record.
Contact An Experienced Great Notch Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Expungement In New Jersey
Are you looking to get your New Jersey charges expunged? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The attorneys at Camili & Capo, PA have successfully represented clients filing for expungement in Little Falls, Great Notch, Upper Montclair, Glen Ridge, and throughout New Jersey. Call (973) 834-8457 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 1 Lower Notch Road, Little Falls, NJ 07424.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
Disorderly conduct consists of any improper behavior such as fighting, threats of violence, or creating a dangerous atmosphere.
