Do you have a criminal record in Mercer County, New Jersey? If so, you may be eligible to have your record sealed through a process called expungement. This process can seal an arrest or conviction if your case meets the eligibility criteria. When this happens, your criminal history will no longer be visible to employers, schools, and more. Most offenses are eligible for expungement at some point, while a few "serious" offenses are never eligible.
With a clean criminal history after an expungement, you can move forward with your life without being tied down by the weight of a criminal record. You deserve to be able to move forward. 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.
The "Clean Slate" Law in New Jersey
If you have not committed a new criminal offense within the last 10 years, and none of those criminal offenses are certain "serious crimes" ineligible for expungement, you can have your entire criminal history wiped clean under the "Clean Slate" law. This allows those who have reformed their lives and avoided criminal convictions to leave that part of their life behind, and have a clean record as well. Built into the law is the possibility that any low-level marijuana convictions may also be sealed. This helps to prevent small offenses from affecting your ability to keep on living a normal life.
How Do I Know if I am Eligible for Expungement?
Whether you are eligible for expungement can quickly become complicated to explain in one page. Your eligibility depends mostly on the offense committed, and how long ago it occurred. Some "serious offenses" are never eligible for expungement, but this is far from the majority of offenses out there. In most cases, expungement is possible eventually, but not in all. To know whether your specific case is eligible to be sealed, contact an experienced New Jersey criminal defense lawyer to learn your options.
Juvenile Records in Mercer County: Seeking Expungement
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 Mercer 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. With the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer, you can make sure your case is handled correctly and efficiently.
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.
