Find Answers to Your New Jersey Expungement FAQs Below and Contact Gelman Law Expungements for a More In-Depth Explanation During a Free Initial Consultation with an Experienced New Jersey Expungement Lawyer
What is an expungement?
If you have been arrested or convicted for an offense, you will have a criminal record that will be available for public view. This means that anyone that carries out a background search on you can view the record of your arrest or conviction. Expungement in New Jersey is the process through which criminal records are extracted or isolated. This means that the record of your arrest or conviction is removed. Agencies such as the police, FBI, and courts that have your expunged criminal record will be required to move your record to an isolated location. The records will no longer be available for public view.
How long does the expungement process take?
The expungement process can take a year give or take. The actual length of time that the expungement process will take will depend on the particular circumstances of your case. Once the expungement is granted by the court, an expungement order will be served to various state agencies including the New Jersey State Police and the local police departments. This is done to inform them to expunge your offenses from your criminal record. When this order has been served to the relevant government agencies, the process is complete. You will only need to wait for the New Jersey State Police to remove the expunged records from your criminal history. This process can be slow and frustrating. Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done to speed it up.
Is there a way to expedite the expungement process?
It is understandable that you want the expungement process to end as quickly as possible so you can move on with your life. Unfortunately, there is no formal way to rush the process. This is because much of the process is in the hands of government agencies and officials. Many of these government officers are overwhelmed with different cases and tasks.
The expungement process is also quite involving. When the petition is filed with the court, the prosecutor in your county and the New Jersey State Police must review your petition to determine if you are eligible for expungement. The New Jersey State Police carry out an extensive background check on you to determine your eligibility. They work on a first-come first served basis. This means you must wait your turn. When your expungement is granted an Expungement Order must be served to all concerned agencies to have your records removed from the database. This is a long and involving process. It can take a year, give or take, to remove your criminal records after the expungement orders have been given.
Do I have to expunge my records?
While you don’t have to expunge your records, a criminal record can have a negative impact on your life. It can limit your opportunities in many ways. For example, you may not be able to access federal financial aid for undergraduate or graduate education if you have a criminal record no matter how minor the offense was. If you plan to advance your education, you will have to disclose your convictions or arrests when making your application to graduate school.
A criminal record can also have a major impact on your career. Doctors, nurses, plumbers, and lawyers require their criminal records disclosed to their respective licensing agencies. Your license may be suspended or you may be denied a license if you are at the beginning of your career. Employers, landlords, and banks also carry out background checks on applicants. You may be denied a job, loan, or the opportunity to rent the house of your choice because of your criminal record.
Am I eligible for expungement in New Jersey?
Your eligibility for expungement in New Jersey depends on various factors including the type of offense you were charged or convicted of, the number of times you have been arrested and/or convicted for a crime as well as the length of time that has passed since the completion of your sentence.
The best way to determine whether you are eligible for expungement is to speak with an experienced New Jersey expungement attorney. Contact Gelman Law Expungements to schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney from our law firm. We offer free initial consultations designed to help you learn more about your rights and options.
Can I become a police officer after having my criminal record expunged?
The police recruitment process in New Jersey involves an intensive selection process. This can make it challenging for you to become a police officer if you have a criminal record. If you have had your record expunged, you may be able to become a police officer. However, this depends on various factors.
The selection process for police officers at the state and local levels differs. Every jurisdiction has its own guidelines on eligibility requirements. There is also some level of subjectivity in the selection process. It would therefore be difficult to determine whether the existence of a criminal record would disqualify you from becoming a police officer. It also depends on the type of offense you were arrested for or convicted with. Even with expungement, you will still be required to disclose your criminal record to law enforcement agencies. These agencies will also still be able to view expunged criminal records.
Contact Gelman Law Expungements For More Answers To New Jersey Expungement FAQs or to Schedule a Free Initial Consultation with an Experienced and Skilled New Jersey Expungement Lawyer
Expungement will give you the opportunity to get your life back on track. We at Gelman Law Expungements are committed to helping those that have been arrested or convicted for offenses get a second chance at living the life they had envisioned for themselves. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced New Jersey expungement lawyer from our law firm. We are ready and willing to answer your questions and help you get your life back on track.
Get in touch with us now to schedule your consultation and learn more about how we can help.