Newfoundland, New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorney
A criminal conviction, even a conviction of a disorderly person's violation, can have life altering consequences. Persons with criminal records face significant obstacles in trying to obtain professional licenses and maybe prevented from obtaining employment in regulated industries such as casinos, liquor businesses, real estate licenses, or other industries where a license is required. In this day and age, when employers have multiple candidates for jobs, potential employers often request a background check. Even little league coaches and scout leaders are often at times subjected to investigation and background checks. A conviction of a criminal or disorderly person's offense, no matter how old can create real problems and serious embarrassment.
Fortunately, the State of New Jersey allows persons convicted of certain crimes and disorderly persons offenses to make an application to the Superior Court to have the record erased or expunged. Those crimes include virtually all disorderly persons offenses including but not limited to theft assault drug possession harassment charges etc. Most of the more serious charges are also capable of being expunged except the State of New Jersey does not permit an expungement of heinous crimes such as murder kidnapping sexual assault child endangerment and rape. Depending upon the nature of the offense, there is a period of time which must pass before the application can be made. There is never a deadline to make the application.
The expungement process is relatively pain free but the paperwork can be complicated. It is important to have specific and detailed information regarding your criminal background, including dates, charges, disposition, the location and other related aspects of the charges. Our office recommends that you obtain a criminal background check based upon a fingerprint analysis. Preparing the necessary paperwork for the expungement proceedings, filing the paper, and serving the appropriate parties is a complicated process. The paperwork is very detailed and must specifically set forth all of the details charges and disposition of the case. The court will set a date for the hearing. Notice of the date must be sent to all of the appropriate law enforcement agencies. In most cases, the Court does not require the individual or the attorney to make a personal appearance on the date of the hearing.
While it is not necessary to have an attorney represent you in obtaining the expungement, it is certainly recommended because of the specific details that are necessary to make certain that the expungement is completed quickly, efficiently, and correctly. The last thing a person wants is to have the expectation that his or her criminal record was expunged only to find out that there was a mistake and your new employer or little league rejects your application because of your criminal background.
Located in Newfoundland, New Jersey, our law firm strives to be there for each client throughout these difficult times. We believe that by being responsive to the needs and questions of our clients through timely feedback, we can keep these cases moving toward a positive resolution.
To schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your family law needs with an experienced lawyer, please contact the Law Offices of Edward P. Azar, L.L.C.
Law Offices of Edward P. Azar, L.L.C.
2840 State Route 23 South
Newfoundland, NJ 07435
973-697-7400 (phone)
973-697-0895 (fax)
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Based in Newfoundland, New Jersey, the Law Offices of Edward P. Azar, L.L.C. serves clients in Newfoundland, Wayne, Butler, Riverdale, Ringwood, Pompton Plains, West Milford, Kinnelon, Sparta, Hartyston, Morristown, Hamburg, Oak Ridge, Stockholm, Franklin, Pompton Lakes, Bloomingdale, Ringwood, Wanaque, Rockaway, and Hewitt. Our representation covers Morris County, Passaic County, and Sussex County.
