Blog

Can I Travel to Canada if My New Jersey Criminal Record Has Been Expunged?

Jan 27, 2026

For many New Jersey residents, the successful expungement of a criminal record feels like a final reset button. You’ve done the work, waited the statutory period, and received a signed Order of Expungement from a judge. In the eyes of New Jersey law, the arrest or conviction essentially never happened. However, a common and stressful question arises when it’s time to book a flight to Toronto or drive across the border at Niagara Falls: Ca...

Checklist: What To Do If You Want An Expungement In 2026

Dec 15, 2025

If you want a fresh start in 2026, a This checklist walks you through key steps to take if you want an expungement in 2026. As you move through each item, you can get organized, avoid common mistakes, and put yourself in a stronger position before you file anything with the court. Clarify Your Goals And Timeline First, decide what you want a New Jersey Next, think about the calendar. If your goa...

Can Expungement Clear Digital Mugshots, or Will They Stay Online in New Jersey?

Nov 19, 2025

If you’ve ever searched your name online and found an old arrest photo, you know how unsettling it can feel. Even when a case is dismissed or a record is expunged, many people worry that their mugshot will stay online forever. That fear is understandable. However, in New Jersey, the law works differently than it does in many other states. So the important question becomes: The answer is more reassuring than most people expect...

Will the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines See an Expunged Record?

Oct 22, 2025

If you’re thinking about joining the military, you might wonder, Let’s break down what that really means for anyone pursuing a military career after expungement in New Jersey. What Does It Mean to Have a Record Expunged in New Jersey? In New Jersey, expungement legally removes your criminal record from public view. Once your record is expunged, it won’t appear in background checks for most employers, landlords, or educational institutions. Court and law enforcemen...

Can You Expunge a Criminal Record If You Owe Court Fines?

Sep 8, 2025

If you are wondering, can you expunge a criminal record if you owe court fines, the answer in New Jersey is not as straightforward as it seems. While unpaid fines, fees, and restitution can complicate the process, they do not always stop the court from granting your This guide explains how fines affect expungement eligibility in New Jersey, when you can still move forward, and what steps to take if you want to clea...

What Mistakes Can Delay an Expungement in New Jersey?

Aug 18, 2025

Filing for The process is detailed, and even small mistakes can cause significant delays. Understanding these common pitfalls (and working with an experienced expungement attorney) can help you avoid unnecessary setbacks and get your record cleared as quickly as possible. Misunderstanding Eligibility One of the most common reasons for delay is filing before you are legally eligible. New Jersey has specific waiting periods depending on the type of offense: Indictable offenses (felonies) Disorderl...

How Can Expungement Help Restore Your Rights to Serve on a Jury in New Jersey?

Jul 23, 2025

If you’ve ever been convicted of a crime in New Jersey, you may already know how deeply it can affect your life even years after you’ve completed your sentence. From job applications to housing, the barriers can feel endless. But here’s something many people don’t realize: criminal convictions can also disqualify you from participating in one of our most fundamental civic duties: jury service. So, What Is Expungement? In New Jersey, expungement is th...

Does Each New Jersey County Use the Same Expungement Process?

Jun 24, 2025

If you’re hoping to clean up your criminal record in New Jersey, you’re probably wondering—does the Here’s the truth The Statewide Framework: What Doesn't Change Before diving into county differences, it’s important to understand what parts of the Across all counties, you must: Be eligible under File your Notify certain parties—such as the Provide accurate documentation of your Wait for the In short, the law is the sam...

What’s the Difference Between Expunging a Juvenile Record and an Adult Record in NJ?

May 30, 2025

Let’s face it—mistakes happen If you’re wondering how your age at the time of the offense affects your ability to move forward, this guide will break it all down for you. We’ll cover how New Jersey treats juvenile vs. adult records, what’s eligible for expungement, and how an experienced attorney can help. Understanding Expungement in New Jersey Before diving into the differences, let’s get on the same page about what expungement actually means. In Ne...

Trying to Clear Your Record in New Jersey? Don’t File Anything Until You Read This

Apr 8, 2025

If you’re trying to clear your record in New Jersey, you probably just want to move on with your life. Maybe you were arrested years ago, never convicted, and yet—your past still shows up in job interviews, housing applications, or even background checks for volunteering. Before you hit “submit” on that expungement petition, here’s what you need to know. 1. Not Everyone Qualifies—Even If the Case Was Dismissed One of the biggest myths abou...