When a person is charged or convicted of a crime, it is a serious burden that can follow them throughout the duration of their lives. After your time has been served you may find yourself having the burden of the conviction showing up each time you apply for school, employment, and even housing. However, some crimes can be expunged, meaning that they are no longer available for viewing on your criminal record. It is important to note that not all crimes are able to be expunged and those that are can still be seen by certain law enforcement agencies.
If you have been convicted of a crime that was violent in nature, you will not be eligible for an expungement. If you have been convicted of a non-violent felony, you will have to wait five years before petitioning for an expungement. For a disorderly person’s offense, you will be required to wait three years before you are eligible to petition to have your crime expunged. There are some situations where a charge is dismissed but only after the person has completed a diversionary program. In this case, they will have to wait 6 months after the diversion program has ended before applying. If you had an acquittal or dismissal without a diversion program, there is no waiting period and you can submit your petition whenever you want.
If you have questions about having a crime expunged so you can begin life with a clean slate, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in New Jersey today so we can determine if you meet the qualifications.
If you require strong and dedicated representation for any of your legal matters, contact The Law Offices of George J. Mardinly to schedule a consultation.