As many people throughout the New Jersey Shore area are aware, past arrests and criminal convictions can have lasting consequences. Due to such experiences, people may struggle to get steady work, or face other obstacles to becoming a productive member of society. For some, however, the option of expungement may be available, which might help them to get back on track. What is expungement? According to the New Jersey Courts, an expungement is the isolation and removal of all records relating to a person’s apprehension, arrest, trial, disposition and detention. This pertains to the criminal or juvenile justice system records that are on file with the courts, detention or correctional facilities, law enforcement, and criminal or juvenile justice agencies. With few exceptions, granted expungements make it so that arrests, …show more content…
For example, those who have had their records expunged are generally able to tell potential employers that they have not ever been arrested. This is not the case, however, if they are being asked by law enforcement employers. In addition, expungements may remove some of the obstacles people who have been arrested or convicted face when attempting to receive certain employment licenses and certifications. Eligibility for expungements Expungement eligibility depends on a number of factors. These factors include the specific incidents that people are looking to expunge, their prior arrests and convictions, and the sentences they received for a conviction. Additionally, when their arrests or convictions occurred may also be taken into consideration when determining if people are eligible to have their criminal records expunged. It is important for people to understand that there are numerous offenses, which are cannot be expunged. The New Jersey Office of the Attorney General points out that these offenses include the following: • Criminal homicide • Arson, and related