A past criminal arrest or conviction on your record can place a mark on your life with long-lasting consequences. Background checks are commonplace and often seek to review a person’s criminal history. Many applications for employment, housing, financial aid and a variety of other opportunities will seek information about past criminal records, leading to the potential for missed opportunities.

At Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann & Knopf LLP, we understand what difficulties a criminal conviction can impose on your future. New Jersey law provides eligible individuals with the opportunity to seal or remove certain criminal records from their backgrounds. Once the court orders the records removed or sealed, individuals do not have to reveal the criminal history on most application forms. We can review your history, explain the legal options that may be available in your unique circumstances and if eligible, guide you through the expungement process to clear your name. To arrange a no-obligation consultation to learn how we may help you, call 201-845-9600.

What Is Expungement Of Criminal Records?

Eligible individuals may petition or apply to the court to have their criminal conviction or arrest record sealed from public view. Once the court enters an order of expungement, the records within the scope of the expungement order do not appear in criminal background checks. Individuals are no longer required to list the records when applying for jobs, housing, financial aid and similar functions when asked about a criminal background.

What Are The Eligibility Requirements For Expungement?

There are several factors to consider in determining whether criminal records may be expunged. The process can be complicated. Speaking with an experienced expungement attorney can help you to understand how the law may apply to your individual circumstances. The good news is that in 2018 New Jersey expanded the number of offenses, including juvenile offenses, that qualify for expungement. The waiting period for many types of offenses was also shortened in 2018. Your attorney may review several factors for eligibility, such as:

  • The severity of past convictions
  • The number of previous offenses
  • The date of the arrest or conviction
  • Whether charges were dismissed or a not guilty verdict was rendered

Our lawyers have assisted clients with expungement for many years. Even if the prosecutor fights to prevent the record from being expunged, our attorneys will be ready to fight for your interests so that you may be able to put the whole ordeal behind you. Allow our diligent attorneys to advocate on your behalf, handle the process and ease your stress while we clear the path for a bright future.

Call Now To Arrange A Free Initial Consultation

Contact Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann & Knopf LLP today to discuss your legal matter. Feel free to email us online or call 201-845-9600 for a free initial consultation. From our office in Saddle Brook, our lawyers help clients throughout northern New Jersey.