How Can I Expunge My Juvenile Record in New Jersey?

Having a juvenile record can impact various aspects of your life like education, employment, housing, personal relationships, etc. New Jersey offers a process called expungement that allows individuals to remove or seal their juvenile criminal records. If you want to know how you can expunge your juvenile record in NJ, reach out to a skillful Bergen County juvenile offense attorney today for representation and experienced legal advice.

What is a Juvenile Record?

A juvenile record is an individual’s criminal record for any offenses that they committed as a minor. If you were arrested or convicted of a criminal offense while you were under the age of 18, information about the arrest, charges, hearings, and outcomes will be documented on your juvenile record.

What is Expungement?

Expungement is the legal process of having a criminal record erased or sealed and making it inaccessible to the public. In New Jersey, when a juvenile criminal record is expunged it means that the information will no longer appear on background checks, save for certain law enforcement officials or judges. Once your record is expunged it is as if the offenses never happened.

How Can I Expunge My Juvenile Record in NJ?

Carefully follow the instructions listed below to get your juvenile record expunged in New Jersey.

1. Locate your records: Locate your records and all relevant information about your arrest/case to prepare and prove your eligibility for expungement.
2. Complete Form A: Fill out the Petition for Expungement which is your official request and states why you qualify to have your records expunged.
3. Complete Form B: Fill out the Order for Hearing, which the judge uses to schedule a hearing between 35 and 60 days after receiving the petition.
4. Complete Form C: Fill out the Expungement Order which is the official document the judge will sign if your petition for expungement is granted.
5. File copies: Make three copies of each form listed above. File two copies with the court where you were arrested and keep one copy of each for your records.
6. Complete Form D: Fill out the Cover Letter which explains the contents of your documents and purpose of the forms to the Superior Court Criminal Case Management Office.
7. Filing fee: Pay the associated filing fee of $52.50 by money order or certified check.
8. Mail copies to relevant agencies: A copy of the Petition for Expungement, Order for Hearing, and Expungement Order will be mailed back to you with an assigned docket number. Make at least seven copies of each document and mail one of each to the government agencies that were involved in your case, listed on page six of the expungement handbook.
9. Hearing: Schedule and attend your hearing. The judge will issue a decision.
10. Distribute final order: If approved you will receive a signed copy of the Expungement order. Mail a copy of this document to the agencies listed on page eight of the expungement handbook.

While it is not legally required to obtain representation while expugning your record, it is highly recommended. At your hearing, a law enforcement officer or other relevant party could object to the expungement. Having skilled legal representation will ensure you are prepared for any obstacles and have an experienced attorney fighting on your behalf. Reach out to a lawyer today for more information.