Record Expungement

Do You Need Your Criminal History Sealed?

New Jersey Record Expungement Lawyers

If you were convicted years ago of a crime and wish to clear your criminal record, the criminal law attorneys of Hagner & Zohlman, LLP, can guide you through the process of expunging the offense. Contact our Cherry Hill law firm today for more information. Based in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we represent clients throughout New Jersey.

What is Expungement?
Expungement is the extraction or isolation of all files regarding your arrest, warrants, complaints, court proceedings and/or conviction for a particular offense. The records are sealed and cannot be accessed by a court or by employers — as if it never happened. Only law enforcement may access the records, and only under certain circumstances.

How Long Do I Have to Wait?
Most crimes can be erased after 10 years, petty offenses can be expunged after five years, and violations of local ordinances in as little as two years.

What Will It Cost?
Once retained, Hagner & Zohlman can normally obtain a full and final expungement in as little as 60 to 90 days. Also, expungements are routinely handled on a flat fee basis which make the process cost effective and expeditious.

Why Expunge a Criminal Record?
A common reason for expungement is to clear one's criminal record for job applications or to run for public office. Juvenile records are often expunged, so that bad judgment as a teenager does not haunt the person forever.

One client, an upstanding citizen, was disqualified from consideration for a job when she revealed a shoplifting conviction dating back 14 years. Now that her shoplifting charge has been expunged, she can legally claim on a job application or to law enforcement that she was never charged or arrested. The crime will not show up on background checks.

Can Any Crime Be Expunged?
Expunging applies to most crimes, even a felony. Only sex crimes, violations of Megan's Law (registering as a sex offender), manufacture or distribution of drugs, and fraud or bribery by an elected official are not expungeable.

Law enforcement can object to a petition for expungement, but if the court approves an expungement order it is served on courts, attorney generals, the FBI, local law enforcement and must be honored.

For information about getting your criminal record expunged, contact the New Jersey criminal law attorneys of Hagner & Zohlman, LLP.