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Toll-Free: 888-857-8418
Phone: (856) 686-9910
Toll Free 888-857-8418

Wipe Out Minor Criminal Offenses, Violations, and Arrests in NJ with an Expungement

Many people have done things in their past that they regret (and I'm not talking about that tattoo you got of an ex-boy/girlfriend's name next to the word "forever.") Politicians call them "youthful indiscretions." With them, it might mean they don't get elected; with you, it could mean that you get turned down for a job or do not get a security clearance. Bottom line: what happened fifteen years ago can still hurt you now. If this sounds like you, and the infraction was minor, there is still something you can do about it. It is called an "expungement," and it can be a lifesaver!

This process involves a sworn petition, signed by you, being filed by the New Jersey Superior Court, to remove from your record a conviction for a disorderly or petty disorderly person's offense (what other states call a misdemeanor), a violation of a local ordinance, or record of an arrest for which there was no conviction. Notice must be given to:
  • Superintendent of the State Police
  • The Attorney General
  • The County Prosecutor
  • The Chief of Police of the Town Where the Offense Occurred
  • The Chief Law Enforcement Officer of Any Other Entity that Participated in Your Arrest
  • The Jail Superintendent, If You Were Incarcerated
  • The Magistrate of the Municipal Court, If You Were Sentenced There
A date for a hearing is set, but if none of those parties served objects, the hearing is not held, and the expungement is granted (unless one of the exceptions to expungement exist). If there is an objection, it could be denied for any number of reasons. Once granted, though, the arrest, conviction, and any proceedings related to the offense are deemed never to have taken place. If you are asked by a future potential employer if you have ever been convicted of a crime, you can honestly say "no."

Although very effective, a petition for expungement is anything but simple. If you think one would help you get a fresh start in life, contact my office for a free consultation.




The Law Office of Steven J. Richardson serves New Jersey, including:  Gloucester, Camden, Burlington, Salem, Cumberland and Atlantic Counties and surrounding New Jersey communities, including Woodbury, Colonial Manor, North Woodbury, Woodbury Heights, Deptford, Thorofare, Gloucester City, Washington Township, Blackwood, Brooklawn, Westville and Pitman.

Richardson Law Offices
40 Newton Avenue
Woodbury, NJ 08096
Phone: (856) 686-9910
Fax: (856) 686-9911