Can I Expunge a Felony Conviction?

One of the worst feelings that people are left to experience after finishing their court given penalties is the fact that they will forever have their actions branded on them by way of their criminal record. In fact, most would say that the consequences of their actions hurt more now that they are out of jail, done with probation, etc. than while they were paying their time. Why is this? Because when a person has a criminal offense on their record, and a felony offense at that, they face the obstacle of not only having a hard time finding employment, but also being approved to rent an apartment because of the record you have to your name. For some, the option of having their criminal record expunged is possible, as it will allow them the opportunity to have a concealed record. However, if you have been convicted of a felony crime, in the state of New Jersey it is a very difficult process to go through; and though it is possible, it is not always allowed by the court depending on the crime for which you were convicted.

As stated, though there are a select number of felony convictions that are not eligible for an expunged record, there are still many that the court will approve. With the help of a skilled Bergen County criminal attorney, we can fight together for your future. Some of the felony offenses that may be eligible will include:

  • Drug possession
  • Shoplifting
  • Domestic violence
  • Bribery
  • Theft crimes
  • Vehicular homicide
  • White collar crimes
  • Violation of a restraining order

These are just a few of the offenses that the court may allow for a record expungement, so be sure to contact our firm soon to discuss the possibility of experiencing the freedom you have been longing for! At The Law Offices of Benjamin G. Kelsen, Esq. LLC, we are committed to helping those in our community fight for freedom, and this includes freedom from your past. In some cases, you may be eligible to apply for an expunged record only five years after your completion of your penalties by the court. However, during this time it will be required that you stayed within the confines of the law and have added no new offenses to your record. For other crimes, the waiting period may extend as much as ten years. Every case is unique, so be sure to discuss this with us as soon as possible.

Sadly, not all convictions will be eligible for expungement by the courts in our state. One rule that is upheld by the courts with regards to expungement is that no person will be eligible if they were convicted of a violent crime of some sort. This will include acts of treason, murder, manslaughter, rape, child sexual offenses, arson, perjury, and more. Another factor that will prevent a person from receiving an expunged record is if they were holding some form of public office in the state, even if the crime was for conspiracy or an attempt to commit a crime, the state will not allow them to be eligible for expungement. Certain felony drug offenses may not be eligible for expungement as well, depending on the total quantity of the drug in question either being sold, distributed or possessed.

Don’t give up on fighting for your future! Please contact our firm today to speak with a highly skilled legal professional who will do whatever it takes to help your case. Call us today at (201) 692-0073 for more information on how we can help you.

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About the Author

Benjamin G. Kelsen Esq. provides efficient legal representation for Criminal Defense & DWI Defense Cases in Hackensack, Garfield & Teaneck.

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