When people have the label of a criminal, it can be very difficult for them to live their lives normally. They may not be able to get a job or apply for certain housing due to their past. In their lifetime, these people could have changed. Their serious acts against the law could have been committed when they were young and irresponsible. This should not stick with them for the rest of their lives. These people should be given another chance at receiving the benefits of a regular citizen. If you or a loved one has been in this situation, call us for a consultation. We can examine your case and see if there is enough reason for expungement of your record.
What is expungement?
Expungement is a way for individuals with a criminal record to get their record erased, or expunged. Through this process, individuals are able to have a fresh start in their lives. No longer will they be faced with having to include their criminal record on job applications. When businesses or other individuals perform a background check, they will not have access to the expunged records. However, some law enforcement agencies may still be provided with this information. In both New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the law states that records can be removed if the arrest did not end in a conviction.
New Jersey expungement laws
Although expungement means criminal records can be erased, this does not apply to all records or all convicts. In the state of New Jersey, crimes that cannot be expunged include violent crimes, crimes against children and even more. The waiting period and the eligibility someone has for expungement can greatly depend on the offense itself, the nature of the offense, the number of offenses and how long ago the offense was committed.
Pennsylvania expungement laws
For Pennsylvania, there are three types of expungements available within the state. These include Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Expungement, Expungement in Summary Cases and Expungement in Court Cases. Each expungement has a specific set of requirements.
For both New Jersey and Pennsylvania expungements, the resident must file a petition for expungement with the court in the county where the arrest or prosecution happened. If you are eligible for expungement, the court will then issue an expungement order that will be passed down to law enforcement agencies.
To see if you are eligible for expungement, contact our attorneys for a consultation. We can listen to your case and examine all options for your records to be expunged. Our professional attorneys have experience handling these cases and have developed the skills to assist you in the best way possible.
The dedicated and compassionate attorneys at Vigilante Law Firm, P.C. would be happy to provide you with assistance in your case and help you protect your future when so much is on the line. Contact us today to schedule a consultation so we can assess the specific circumstances surrounding your lawsuit.