On December 20, 2017, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed expungement reform legislation designed to update New Jersey’s expungement system and help minor criminal offenders get a fresh start. For those who have been convicted of a crime, it is important to understand the new law and the requirements for expungement. The experienced criminal defense team at Lomurro Munson LLC has served New Jersey families for more than 130 combined years, successfully advocating for those facing criminal charges.
What is expungement?
Expungement is a legal process whereby a criminal record is removed from the official public record. With expungement, an offender’s criminal record is permanently erased, essentially wiped clean as far as the law is concerned. Offenders must meet the requirements to apply for expungement and only certain criminal cases qualify for expungement under the law.
About New Jersey’s new expungement legislation
The bipartisan expungement reform legislation – known as Senate Bills 3306, 3307, and 3308 – will become effective on October 1, 2018. Specifics regarding each bill is as follows:
- Senate Bill 3306 (SB 3306): this bill is designed to bolster New Jersey’s “Ban the Box” law. It further prevents employers from inquiring about criminal records of applicants in writing, orally, or online, and prohibits employers from using online applications that require disclosure of criminal records, including expungement.
- Senate Bill 3307 (BS 3307): this bill modifies the procedures for expungement of criminal and other records and information. It shortens certain waiting periods for expungement eligibility and allows for a greater number of convictions that may be expunged. The law allows an offender to expunge up to four offenses or multiple offenses that occurred within a short timeframe, providing the offender has not been convicted of any prior or subsequent offense.
- Senate Bill 3308 (SB 3308): this bill permits young adults to expunge their juvenile records two years earlier than the existing law allows. It also decreases the waiting period to expunge a juvenile record in its entirety from five years down to three years.
Have questions about expungement?
New Jersey’s new expungement legislation includes several different measures designed to eliminate employment discrimination based on criminal records. If you have a criminal record, you may have questions regarding this new law, whether you meet the criteria for expungement, and how the expungement process works. Let us help. The criminal defense lawyers at Lomurro Munson LLC in Monmouth County skillfully and successfully represent clients facing an array of criminal charges. Our legal team includes eight New Jersey Supreme Court Certified Civil Trial Attorneys and two Masters of Law in Trial Advocacy associates. We are by your side every step of the way, aggressively acting on your behalf. Give us a call to schedule a confidential consultation at 732-482-9285 or online. Lomurro Munson LLC has convenient office locations in Freehold and East Brunswick.