What are the Consequences of Having a Criminal Record in New Jersey?

To no one’s surprise, having a criminal record can have a detrimental impact on your future. Even after serving time in jail or paying fines, your criminal conviction can follow you for years to come. It is important to learn more about the long-term consequences of a criminal conviction, and what your options are. Reach out to knowledgable New Jersey criminal attorneys at The Law Office of Attorney Conway to get started today.

How will a criminal record affect my life in the long run in New Jersey?

Having a criminal record can affect various aspects of your life. For example, if you have applied for a job, you have likely seen a question asking about your criminal history. That question will also appear on a college application, or on a lease agreement. A criminal record can also hinder the ability to obtain financial aid, or have child custody rights. If you are concerned about how a criminal record can impact your life, contact The Law Office of Attorney Conway to speak with an experienced New Jersey criminal attorney to help guide you through your options.

Can my criminal record be expunged?

Fortunately, in some cases, your record is not always permanent. In New Jersey, you may have the option of expungement. Expungement seals your criminal record from the public. If you are able to expunge your record, it will only be accessible to members of law enforcement, which can benefit your future abilities to obtain jobs, financial aid, housing, and many others. In New Jersey, you have to wait 5 years from the date of conviction to request an expungement. There are some criminal convictions, however, that cannot be expunged. These crimes include:

Murder
Kidnapping
Aggravated Sexual Assault
Robbery
Arson
Perjury
Distribution, sale, or possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances

How does the expungement process work in New Jersey?

There are various steps involved in the expungement process. They are as follows:

File the Petition for Expungement, the Order for Hearing, and the Expungement Order
Write a cover letter detailing all of the documents enclosed and the court will file
Distribute copies of these files to any government agency involved in your case
Attend the hearing to obtain a decision on the expungement petition

If you have a criminal record and are interested in having it expunged, contact our firm to discuss this process further. Our experienced legal professionals will fight for you.

CONTACT OUR FIRM

Kevin T. Conway is an experienced Bergen County criminal attorney handling DUI, DWI, traffic violations, violent crimes, sex crimes, illegal gun possession, shoplifting, and juvenile crimes. Attorney Conway is also experienced in commercial law matters, zoning law, and estate planning. If you need an aggressive criminal lawyer, contact The Law Office of Kevin T. Conway for a free consultation.