Expungement

Newark, New Jersey, Lawyers Handling Expungements

Having a criminal arrest record can seriously limit employment opportunities. Many employers do not want to hire someone with a criminal past. They may look upon you as an employment risk, rather than a good person who made a bad choice in the past.

Changes in the Law Now Permit Expungement of Certain Drug Distribution Charges

As of January 12, 2010, the N.J. State Expungement Statute was changed to permit the expungement of certain 3^rd degree and 4^th degree drug distribution, or possession with intent to distribute offenses that up until now could not be expunged. This change is critical to many persons who up until now have been ineligible to get their record expunged. If you have previously tried to get your record expunged and been told that you are not eligible, you should consult immediately with an experienced criminal defense lawyer to determine how these changes in the law apply to you.

Changes in the Law Now Permit Expungement of Certain Indictable Offenses Sooner

As of January 12, 2010, the N.J. State Expungement Statute was changed to permit the expungement of certain Indictable offenses after as little as 5 years from the date of conviction. Up until now, the law required you to wait 10 years. This change can reduce the time you need to wait to get your record cleared. If you have been waiting to apply for an expungement, you should consult immediately with an experienced criminal defense lawyer to determine how these changes in the law apply to you.

Let the attorneys at Bailey & Orozco, LLC, help you protect your future through expungement, the process of "sealing" your criminal record. To see how expungement may apply in your case, contact our Newark law office for a free consultation with a criminal defense attorney.

What is Expungement?

If you have ever been arrested, speak with a criminal defense lawyer about expungement. Your criminal record is not automatically cleared with the passage of time. Even if you were never found guilty, you were acquitted, or the charges were dismissed, in N.J. an arrest is not expunged unless a court grants an expungement petition.

Under New Jersey state law, an expungement of your criminal record means certain records on file with any court, correctional facility, or law enforcement agency are sealed from public access. Records are not destroyed. Specific arrests, charges, or other documents are isolated and redacted. Once an Expungement Petition has been granted by the Court, under most circumstances these matters cannot be disclosed to anyone investigating your background.

How Long Does it take to Clear a Criminal Record?

In N.J. statutory guidelines impose eligibility requirements and waiting periods for when an expungement may be requested or granted by the Court. The N.J. Expungement Law was changed on January 13, 2010, to reduce certain waiting periods. The 'Waiting' period you have to meet can vary depending on the type of criminal charges you are trying to get expunged and the sentence the Court imposed. Certain considerations can alter the 'waiting period' and it is critical for you to understand how those considerations apply to your case. Call us to discuss how these changes to the law can benefit you.

Put Your Life Back on Track

With more than 35 years of legal experience, our firm has the knowledge to help you move forward after an arrest or conviction, and get your record cleared. We know the ins and outs of the criminal justice system, and the typical problems encountered during an Expungement Petition. We can help you get your life back on track. When you meet with us for a free case evaluation, you ask that you bring:

· Paperwork pertaining to your arrest or arrests

· Court papers pertaining to the disposition of the charge or charges you wish to expunge

· Copies of reports pertaining to the completion of probation or diversionary treatment program

Contact our Newark, New Jersey, law firm at 866-919-6193 to discuss your criminal record expungement options. Se habla español ▪ Nós falamos o português ▪ Si parla italiano