Basic information about Expungements in New Jersey

A person who is charged with criminal offense in New Jersey and is arrested for the same, will definitely have an arrest record maintained. Later on when the person gets convicted, the record of conviction also exists. The records consist of complaint charged, summons, warrants issued, case- processing records, DNA report, photographs, fingerprints, rap sheets, index cards and other judicial records. These records can exit on paper and also on computer. In many cases, the offense done by the person is considered as minor and person is never arrested. In such cases also, criminal record of the person exists and it can be accessed in future. New Jersey Criminal Law gives option to person to have expungement of criminal record.

Records that can be expunged:

Granting of expungements happen when there are false arrests, release during trial or appeal or rehabilitation program suggested for the arrested person. When expungements happen, all the records related to the particular crime are not destroyed rather they are segregated. Going for expungement of record is a judicial process and upon completion of the process, the charged and/or convicted person receives signed court order by a judge stating that the offense shall be considered not to have happened. In such case when insurance companies, creditors, prospective employers, landlords go for background checking for that person who had his/her record expunged, no record will exist and he/she will have no problem in leading normal life.

Need of an Attorney for Record Expungement:

As such, expungement of records need not be handled by an attorney. According to New Jersey Criminal Law, the accused or charged person is allowed to go for expungement of record himself/herself. But the entire process may be confusing for the applicant and expungement of records may take time. The expungement filing fee is very nominal in New Jersey State. It is about $52.50. It is important for the applicant to comply with all the specifications of law to get record expungements. If any of the steps needed for processing of expungement of records is missed out, the expungement petition gets denied. That is why it is advisable to hire an experienced attorney who could guide the record expungement applicant in every step. In case the expungement application is opposed by New Jersey Law Enforcement Department, the applicant could not be handle it and it may become a complicated case and ultimately expungement of records may not possible. Applying for expungement and going through the entire process again will definitely cost more money and time.

For further details visit New Jersey Criminal Law or wants an appointment contact New Jersey Expungements Attorney here: Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Hasson, P.C. 320 Cedar Lane Teaneck, NJ 07666

To Read More: DUI/DWI Lawyers in New Jersey