Expunging a Criminal Record
By The Law Offices of Christopher G. Porreca, P.C.
Jun. 9, 2011 4:56p
To expunge a criminal record, means to legally destroy or erase the information contained in a criminal record. After a criminal record has been expunged, the information cannot be accessed by general law enforcement or for civilian use. Once a criminal record has been expunged, or otherwise erased, it cannot be used for any public or private entity for licensing, employment, certification, or registration. The one exception in some states is employment positions where the person would be in direct contact with children, the elderly or in law enforcement.
According to New Jersey Law, expungement "shall mean the extraction and isolation of all records on file within any court, detention or correctional facility, law enforcement or criminal justice agency concerning a person's detention, apprehension, arrest, detention, trial or disposition of an offense within the criminal justice system."
The benefits of having one's criminal record expunged are countless. One can only imagine how much easier life would be if their criminal record could just disappear. Fortunately, there is something you can do about your record, providing your offense is eligible for an expungement. Having your criminal record expunged will open the door for housing, educational and employment opportunities. In order to have your records expunged, you will have to submit a formal request for expungement. New Jersey law sets clear eligibility requirements; therefore it will be relatively simple for a criminal defense attorney to determine your eligibility.
What Cannot Be Expunged
More serious offenses such as: robbery, criminal sexual contact (with a minor), aggravated sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child (based on sexual contact), criminal restraint, aggravated criminal sexual contact, aggravated sexual assault, luring or enticing, perjury, false swearing and criminal homicide (with the exception of death by auto) cannot be expunged from your record. For more information about expungement, contact a Morris County expungement lawyer from The Law Offices of Christopher G. Porreca, P.C. today!
Contact a Morris County expungement attorney from our firm for a free initial consultation.
