Committing a crime can only take a moment, but the consequences can last a lifetime. Continue reading to understand the long-term consequences your criminal record will produce and how an experienced Morristown criminal defense lawyer at Graves Andrews, LLC can fight for the expungement of your offenses.
What impact does a criminal record have on my future?
The most obvious long-term consequence of having a criminal record is with your future job prospects, as many employers will ask in the application if you have ever been convicted of a crime. With that, certain criminal convictions may prevent you from renting certain properties or securing certain loans. What’s worse: if you are an immigrant here in the United States, certain criminal convictions can warrant deportation from the country.
As for specific examples, if you received a DUI, it may also prohibit you from applying for a commercial license, which inevitably further limits your job options. Additionally, if you were convicted as a sex offender, this will likely become part of the public record. And if you were convicted of an act of domestic violence or substance abuse, your child custody arrangements may be affected. Specifically, your former spouse may argue that you are unfit to be a parent, on the grounds that these actions violate the core of your custody agreement of serving your child’s best interests.
Can I expunge my criminal record in New Jersey?
Under New Jersey law, you are authorized to automatic expungement of all criminal records where more than 10 years have passed since the completion of the conviction for indictable offense convictions, disorderly persons offense convictions, and petty disorderly persons offense convictions.
Specifically, you may request expungement of an indictable offense conviction, along with up to three disorderly persons offense convictions, once five years have passed from the completion of the most recent conviction. This completion means release from incarceration, completion of probation or parole, or payment of all financial obligations, whichever is the most recent.
Or, you may apply to expunge up to five disorderly persons convictions, five petty disorderly persons convictions, or a combination of five total. The waiting period is five years from the completion of the most recent conviction.
In addition, there are several other expungement provisions that can be found in New Jersey law, including those for municipal ordinance violations, low-level marijuana convictions, juvenile delinquency records, and drug court records.
If you believe that your offenses are eligible for expungement, do not hesitate in reaching out to a skilled Morristown criminal defense lawyer today.
Contact Our Experienced New Jersey Firm
Graves Andrews, LLC is an experienced Morris County family law firm serving all of New Jersey. Contact Graves Andrews, LLC to schedule an initial consultation to learn more about our services and how we can assist you. Reach out to our experienced attorneys today to get started.
