An expungement is a legal process through which you can "seal" your criminal record, including arrests and convictions for different offenses. For offenses committed in Cape May County, New Jersey, it is crucial you pursue this possibility if you are eligible. When your record is expunged, it is wiped clean for that particular offense or even your entire criminal history, depending on the circumstances. Both juveniles and adults can seal eligible offenses.
An expunged criminal history can be incredibly beneficial to you. This opens up opportunities for college, housing, employment, and much more. New Jersey attorney Joseph Lento has nearly two decades of experience in the criminal justice system and can work hard to seal your criminal record when possible.
Am I Eligible for Expungement of my Record?
Who is actually eligible for expungement can quickly become complicated. Eligibility depends a lot on how "serious" the offense committed was, as well as other factors that may come into play. Some offenses may never be able to be sealed or may take longer. The best way to know if your specific situation is eligible for expungement is to talk to a knowledgeable New Jersey attorney. Please don't assume you ineligible, as you may be mistaken. You deserve to have a clean record if you can, and the benefits are incredibly helpful.
New Jersey's "Clean Slate" Law
New Jersey's "Clean Slate" Law is another way for an offender to get his or her record sealed. If you have not committed an offense within the last 10 years and were not convicted of certain "serious crimes" you are eligible to have your entire criminal history wiped clean. This allows people who have gone a long time without an offense, and who have "reformed" the opportunity to move on with their lives. The law also allows for the expungement of low-level marijuana offenses after the final disposition of the case.
Juvenile Record Expungement in Cape May County
For those who received a juvenile arrest of conviction in Cape May County, the entire juvenile record is eligible for expungement. Once the minor offender has completed the conditions imposed upon the juvenile by the judge, the judge can seal the juvenile's record on his or her own. At times, however, it takes a few more steps to get this taken care of if the judge does not do it on his or her own.
With the help of an experienced attorney, you or your child can walk forward into adulthood free and clear of a criminal record. This will open up school, work, and many other opportunities that no longer will have to be weighed down by past criminal history.
Consult a Cape May County Expungement Attorney
The court system in New Jersey can be incredibly complicated at times, and the minefield that is expungement shows this to be true. However, for an experienced attorney, this process will be much easier, and you can rest assured that your rights are protected throughout the process.
If you want to pursue expungement of a criminal record for yourself or your child, contact the Lento Law Firm today at (888) 535-3686.
