If you have an arrest or conviction on your record in Union County, New Jersey, you should not have to have it follow you around forever. In New Jersey, a process called expungement can "seal" your criminal record if you meet all of the guidelines. This process can be incredibly beneficial, as it makes the criminal record disappear for most parties that can view it, especially employers. This can have a major and positive impact on your life moving forward, giving you more freedom from the stigma of a past criminal conviction.
Having your criminal history expunged can be very beneficial to your ability to gain and maintain employment, educational opportunities, housing, and 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 whenever possible.
Eligibility for Expungement in Union County
Offenders who are actually eligible for expungement should go after the sealing of their record quickly. If you someone who is eligible for expungement, the benefits are huge. Whether you are eligible to have a specific offense sealed is a complicated question at times, but this question can be answered by an experienced expungement attorney in Union County. Certain offenses are not able to be sealed, especially if that offense is considered more "severe" than other offenses. You should never assume you cannot seal your case, as more cases than not are eligible, if not now then in the future.
"Clean Slate" Law in New Jersey
New Jersey's "Clean Slate" law permits certain eligible offenders to have their entire record wiped clean. These people are required to have no new criminal offenses committed within the last 10 years, and must also not have been convicted of certain "serious crimes" that are ineligible for expungement anyway.
This provides a "clean slate" that allows you to move forward with your life. You will no longer have to deal with the continuing stigma and limitations of a criminal record. In addition to the rest of the clean slate law, low-level marijuana convictions can also be wiped from your record, even as early as the end of the case.
How to Expunge Your Juvenile Record in Union County
Under New Jersey law, a juvenile criminal record is eligible for total expungement. When a minor has completed his or her conditions placed upon the juvenile by the judge, many times the juvenile court judge will wipe the minor's record clean. Sometimes it is this simple, but in many other cases it requires a few more steps to be able to make this happen.
Your attorney can take you through the sometimes complicated process of getting your record wiped clean. Walking into adulthood free and clear of youthful transgressions can greatly improve your future life, allowing you to attend the college of your choice, find the job you want, and get the special licenses you need.
Consult a Union County Expungement Attorney
The court system in New Jersey can be incredibly complicated at times, but with the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer, you can clear your record if you are eligible.
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.