What crimes can be expunged in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, most misdemeanors and many felonies can be expunged after the required waiting period. However, certain serious offenses like violent crimes and sex offenses are typically ineligible.

How long is the waiting period for expungement in New Jersey?

Waiting periods in New Jersey vary by offense type. Arrests typically require 1 year, misdemeanors 3-5 years, and felonies 5-10 years from sentence completion.

Can I expunge a felony in New Jersey?

Many felonies can be expunged in New Jersey, but eligibility depends on the specific offense and classification. Class A felonies and certain violent or sexual offenses are generally ineligible.

Will expungement remove my record from background checks?

Yes, once expunged, the record should not appear on most background checks. However, some government agencies and law enforcement may still have access for specific purposes.

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Criminal Record Expungement

New JerseyCriminal Expungement

Learn how to clear arrests and convictions from your criminal record in New Jersey.

Clean Slate State

New Jersey has automatic expungement laws. Some eligible records may be cleared without filing a petition.

At a Glance

FreeFiling Fee

YesFee Waiver

YesClean Slate

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Legal Terminology in New Jersey

Expungement

expungement

Sealing

expungement

Eligibility Requirements

General requirements for criminal record expungement in New Jersey.

Generally Eligible

All indictable offenses (except excluded)

All disorderly persons offenses

All petty disorderly persons offenses

All ordinance violations

Generally Not Eligible

Homicide Offenses (N.J.S.A. 2C:11)

Murder
Manslaughter
Death by auto or vessel (2C:11-5)
Aggravated manslaughter
Vehicular homicide
Criminal homicide

Sexual Offenses (N.J.S.A. 2C:14)

Aggravated sexual assault
Sexual assault
Aggravated criminal sexual contact
Criminal sexual contact (certain circumstances)
Sexual contact with a person detained in custody
Luring, enticing a child
Criminal restraint during commission of a sexual offense

Offenses Against Children

Endangering the welfare of a child (2C:24-4)
Child pornography offenses
Employing juvenile in commission of a crime (2C:24-9)
Distribution of obscene material to minors
Sexual exploitation of minors

Kidnapping and Human Trafficking (N.J.S.A. 2C:13)

Kidnapping (2C:13-1)
Human trafficking (2C:13-8)
Criminal restraint (second degree)
Interference with custody (certain circumstances)

Robbery and Carjacking (N.J.S.A. 2C:15)

Robbery (2C:15-1)
Carjacking (2C:15-2)

Terrorism and Organized Crime

Terrorism (2C:38)
Racketeering (2C:41)
Leader of organized crime (2C:5-2g)
Weapons trafficking

Arson (N.J.S.A. 2C:17)

Arson (2C:17-1)
Aggravated arson
Arson endangering persons

Perjury and False Swearing (N.J.S.A. 2C:28)

Perjury (2C:28-1)
False swearing (2C:28-2)

Official Misconduct

Official misconduct (2C:30-2)
Corruption of public resources (2C:30-3)
Bribery in official matters

Pending Matters

Any pending criminal charges in New Jersey or any other jurisdiction
Active warrant or bench warrant
Currently on probation or parole
Currently incarcerated or under community supervision

Waiting Periods

All eligible offenses10 years

Waiting periods typically start from completion of sentence, including probation.

The Process

Verify Your Eligibility

Use the LSNJ eligibility navigator to confirm you qualify

15-30 minutes

Gather Your Case Information

Collect the documents and information you need to file

1-2 hours

Create eCourts Account

15-30 minutes

File Your Expungement Petition

Submit your petition through the eCourts system

30-60 minutes

Wait for Court Processing

The court will review and process your petition

30-90 days

Track State Police Processing

Monitor when records are removed from criminal history

30-60 days after order

Legal Resources

FREE online system to file expungement petitions - no filing fees

Track when your expunged records are removed from the criminal history system

Free civil legal assistance for low-income New Jersey residents, including expungement help

Free legal information and referrals for low-income individuals - Call 1-888-LSNJ-LAW (1-888-576-5529)

Online tool to determine expungement eligibility and type

Pro bono expungement assistance through the RELESE program

Free legal aid for low-income individuals seeking expungement

Find attorneys through county bar associations

Help navigating the court system for self-represented litigants

National organization supporting automatic record clearing

Legal Authority

N.J.S.A. 2C:52-1

Definitions (Expungement)

View source →

N.J.S.A. 2C:52-2

Indictable Offenses Expungement

View source →

N.J.S.A. 2C:52-3

Disorderly Persons Expungement

View source →

N.J.S.A. 2C:52-4

Ordinance Violations Expungement

View source →

N.J.S.A. 2C:52-4.1

Juvenile Delinquency Expungement

View source →

N.J.S.A. 2C:52-5.1

Marijuana Expungement

View source →

N.J.S.A. 2C:52-5.3

Clean Slate Expungement (Cunningham Cleanser)

View source →

N.J.S.A. 2C:52-6

Expedited Expungement

View source →

N.J.S.A. 2C:52-6.1

Marijuana Decriminalization Expungement

View source →

N.J.S.A. 2C:35-14(m)

Recovery Court (Drug Court) Expungement

View source →

Eligibility Timeline Calculator

Find out exactly when you can file for expungement

What was the outcome of your case?

Date DA Declined to File

🏛️ Find Your Courthouse

Get court contact information, directions, and filing details for your county

Select Your County

📋 My Cases

Track your expungement progress across multiple cases

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Add your first case to start tracking your expungement progress

Need More Help?

Consider consulting with a legal aid organization or attorney for personalized guidance.

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Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a qualified attorney for advice about your specific situation.