Expungement is a legal process that effectively "seals" your criminal record from view. For convictions or arrests that occurred in Ocean County, New Jersey, you can work to seal your record if you meet the eligibility criteria. Eligibility depends on a number of complicated factors, but with the help of an experienced attorney, you can work to move forward with your life, and avoid the ever-present pain that is a criminal history.
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. Expungement can help you move forward with your life.
Eligibility for Expungement
Offenders actually eligible for expungement should pursue the sealing of their record promptly. If you are eligible for expungement, the benefits cannot be undersold. Whether you are eligible to have a specific offense sealed is a complicated question at times, but can be answered by an experienced expungement attorney in Ocean County. Certain offenses cannot be sealed, especially if that offense is considered more "severe" than other offenses. However, do not assume that your offense cannot be sealed; you may be surprised.
How to Get a "Clean Slate" Under New Jersey Law
New Jersey has adopted legislation that permits certain eligible offenders to have their entire record wiped clean. These individuals must have no new criminal offenses committed within the last 10 years, and they must not have been convicted of certain "serious crimes" that are otherwise ineligible for expungement. This provides a "clean slate" that allows you to move forward with your life, without the continuing stigma and limitations of a criminal record. As part of this law, low-level marijuana convictions can also be wiped from your record, even as early as the end of the case.
Juvenile Record Expungement in Ocean County
Juvenile records in New Jersey are eligible for total expungement under the law. Offenses committed while a minor should not follow you forever. Once the eligible juvenile has completed the conditions imposed upon him or her by the juvenile court judge, the case can be wiped clean by the judge. At times, it is that simple, but at other times you need to take proactive steps with the help of a lawyer to get the record wiped clean.
This process can be complicated to do on your own, but with the help of the right attorney, you can move forward with confidence. Being able to walk into adulthood free and clear of any past mistakes is worth every second of effort.
Consult an Ocean 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.
