Expungement Lawyers Middletown, NJ

Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help You Seek an Expungement of an Arrest or Conviction in Monmouth County, Middlesex County, or Ocean County, NJ

A criminal conviction can continue to haunt you long after you have put the event behind you. Potential employers, landlords and other parties can learn of your criminal record, preventing you from achieving your desired goals. Many people in this situation can obtain expungements that result in the physical destruction of arrest records, mug shots, conviction records and other data that can prove to be embarrassing should the information ever be exposed to public view.

If you are the subject of a criminal record in Monmouth, Middlesex or Ocean county and want it expunged, contact an expungement attorney at Rudnick, Addonizio, Pappa & Casazza PC. With more than 80 years of combined legal experience, our criminal defense lawyers help relieve you of the burden of a criminal record.

What Is a Criminal Record in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, the record of an individual’s investigation, arrest, detention, trial and imprisonment may be expunged (erased or sealed) in some circumstances. Criminal records are kept on file in courts, prisons and/or law enforcement agencies, and concern investigations, arrests, trials and sentences. They include both physical and electronic records: complaints, warrants, arrests, fingerprints, “mug shots,” photographs, index cards, “rap sheets” and judicial docket numbers.

What If I Was Arrested But Not Convicted of a Crime in Edison, New Jersey?

If you were arrested or detained, but not convicted of a crime, you may petition to have the related criminal record expunged so long as either of the following applies:

• The proceedings against you were dismissed, or
• You were acquitted or otherwise discharged without a finding of guilt

If the dismissal was the result of completing a diversionary program – Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) or conditional discharge- you must wait six months from the completion of the program to file for an expungement.

How Long Must I Wait Before I Can File for an Expungement in Howell, NJ?

New Jersey law permits the expungement of many criminal convictions after you successfully complete your sentence and wait for a required period of time. These include:

• Indictable offenses. The ordinary waiting period is 5 years; however, you may file a petition after 4 years, if the court is satisfied that allowing expungement is in the public interest, it may approve your request.
• Disorderly persons or petty disorderly persons offenses: You must wait 5 years, or 3 years if the court is satisfied that allowing the expungement is in the public interest.
• Municipal ordinance violations: 2 years.
• Arrest but no Conviction: This can be expunged immediately upon the dismissal of the charge, or 6 months following the successful completion of a diversionary program.

What Records Are Not Eligible for Expungement in New Jersey?

• Most motor vehicle offenses
• Certain other indictable offenses, including:
  • Crimes of public officials
  • Serious drug crimes
  • Murder
  • Kidnapping
  • Sex crimes
  • False imprisonment
  • Robbery
  • Arson
  • Child endangerment

Your petition for expungement may also be denied if you have more than the allowable number of prior convictions.

Contact an Experienced East Brunswick Criminal Attorney to File a Petition for Expungement in New Jersey

Cleaning up a criminal record can be complicated. If you are not sure whether your record qualifies for expungement, or you need advice about your unique personal situation, turn to a criminal defense attorney at Rudnick, Addonizio, Pappa & Casazza PC. We have more than 80 years of combined legal experience meeting the needs of people just like you.

Call us and learn how we will help. From our Hazlet, East Brunswick and Keansburg Area offices, we serve clients in and around Hazlet, Middletown, Keyport, Union Beach, Holmdel, Red Bank, Monroe, Rumson, Asbury Park, Highlands, Atlantic Highlands, Leonardo, Sea Bright and Monmouth Beach.

Call today at 888-657-8883 to schedule a free consultation, or fill out a contact form online.