Expungement/Erase Criminal Arrests

Thousands of citizens in New Jersey over the past 20 years have been arrested for criminal, disorderly, and municipal ordinance offenses. They may include your neighbors, friends and loyal church goers. The police keep a record of all arrests and convictions, even if 20 years old. These secrets of the past will soon be open to anyone in New Jersey including credit agencies. Under a proposal by the New Jersey Attorney General, for a $15.00 fee, anybody could ask the state police for a persons criminal record, even arrests with not guilty findings. Allowing access to a persons old criminal conviction or arrest record could open the door for discrimination against someone who now is a productive, respected, and law abiding citizen. Fortunately, if you are a law abiding citizen, you can now have old arrests or convictions erased from public records and police folders. Under NJSA 2C:52-1 et seq. past criminal convictions can be expunged erased under certain instances. For example, if you were convicted or pleaded guilty to a disorderly person offense (misdemeanor type) more than 5 years ago, and have not been convicted of anything since, you can have your attorney petition to the Superior Court for an Expungement (Erase and removal) of your criminal record. If you plead guilty to a town ordinance (ex. - Seaside Heights Drinking in Public) you can petition for an Expungement after waiting two years. A Juvenile delinquent/guilty finding for a minor can also be expunged/erased under similar circumstances. In addition, minor drug arrests which resulted in first offender conditional discharge can be erased if one year has passed since termination of probation or conclusion of court proceedings. Most importantly, arrests on frivolous complaints which did not result in a conviction or if charges were dismissed, can be expunged, without waiting. THE EXPUNGEMENT PETITION You should contact an attorney experienced with handling expungements in the Superior Court. Your attorney will prepare an expungement petition which under state law must contain substantial background information, including: a. Date of Birth and Social Security # b. Date of Arrest c. Statute Arrested For and Statute Convicted d. Original Indictment, Summons, or Complaint Number e. Petitioners Date of Conviction or Date of Disposition f. Courts Disposition of the Matter and Punishment Adopted, if Any In addition, the Expungement Petition must have an affidavit that states that there are no charges pending and that the petitioner never previously received a prior expungement. The Expungement Petition is filed in the county where the offense took place, not where the defendant lives. Once filed, the Superior Court will set a hearing within 35-60 days. As required under the statute, the attorney for the applicant must serve a copy of the Petition Order for hearing and supporting documents on the following people: 1. Superintendent of State Police 2. Attorney General 3. County Prosecutor of the county where the court is located 4. The Chief of Police where the event took place 5. The chief law enforcement officer of any law enforcement agency which participated in the arrest 6. The warden of any institution where the petitioner was confined, and 7. If the disposition was made by a municipal court, upon the municipal court which heard the case. If you satisfy all other statutory requirements and there is no objection by the entities notified, the court will usually grant an order directing the clerk of the court and all relevant criminal justice and law enforcement agencies to expunge (remove) records of said disposition including evidence of arrest, detention, conviction, and proceedings. There are additional pleadings which the applicants attorney must prepare and file. If you have an old offense, it is important that you have the arrest expunged to keep your name and record clean. Expungement statute was reviewed in recent cases SUPERIOR COURT - CRIMINAL - FLAT FEE AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE LEGAL SERVICE Thank you for contacting Kenneth Vercammen & Associates, PC for representation in a criminal expungement Municipal Court matter. 1. Legal Services to be provided: 2. Flat fee: $1,200- $2,000 We will represent you at all stages from the initial interview to the first appearance in court, if needed. You represent that you have no other arrests or convictions other than the matters you wrote down on the interview sheet. 2. Fees. Fees can be paid by VISA, Master Card, American Express, check, money order or cash. Make checks payable to Kenneth Vercammen PC. 3. Representation/ What We will do for you. We will review and research necessary statutes and caselaw, contact the prosecutor, prepare defenses and determine mitigating factors. We agree to provide conscientious, competent and diligent services on the charges you provided us at the initial consultation. At all times we will seek to achieve solutions which are just and reasonable for you. WHAT WE WILL DO...... 1. Telephone consultation with client; 2. Office consultation with client; 3. Offer sound legal advice to client, plus access to our legal info website njlaws.com 4. Opening of file and client may have free client case folder, Municipal Court brochure, DMV points brochure, and Website brochure; 5. Review of necessary statutes and case law; 6. Preparation of VERIFIED PETITION FOR EXPUNGEMENT OF RECORD PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 2C:52-6(a) 7. Preparation of CERTIFICATION to Prosecutor; STATEMENT TO ACCOMPANY PETITION - Preparation of ORDER FOR HEARING FOR EXPUNGEMENT PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 2C:52-6(a) - Preparation of ORDER FOR EXPUNGEMENT - Prepare Certified Mail Green cards for documents to be served on law enforcement and court. - Preparation of statement to provide legal services; - Preparation of filing letter to client with proposed Order for hearing and Order for Expungement; - Preparation of filing letter to Court Expungement Unit Follow up Court Order for hearing (takes approx 30 days) - Preparation of letter with Order for hearing and proposed Order for Expungement to NJ Attorney General Department of Law & Public Safety Expungement Section- PO Box 080 Trenton, NJ 08625 - Preparation of letter with Order for hearing and proposed Order for Expungement to NJ Superintendent of State Police Expungement Unit River Road, PO Box 7068 West Trenton, NJ 08628 - Preparation of letter with Order for hearing and proposed Order for Expungement to County Prosecutor; - Preparation of letter with Order for hearing and proposed Order for Expungement to Chief of Police; - Preparation of letter to client with Order for hearing and proposed Order for Expungement to Municipal Court Administrator; Preparation of CERTIFICATION OF SERVICE OF ORDER FOR HEARING 8. Review documents supplied by client and court; 9. Travel to Court if required; 10. Negotiations with the Prosecutor and Representation in case. 11. Follow up with Prosecutor 12. Prepare defense and mitigating factors; If Expungement granted, - Preparation of letter with signed Order for Expungement to NJ Attorney General Department of Law & Public Safety Expungement Section- PO Box 080 Trenton, NJ 08625 - Preparation of letter with signed Order for Expungement to NJ Superintendent of State Police Expungement Unit River Road, PO Box 7068 West Trenton, NJ 08628 - Preparation of letter with signed Order for Expungement to County Prosecutor; - Preparation of letter with signed Order for Expungement to Chief of Police; - Preparation of letter with signed Order for Expungement to Municipal Court Administrator; 13 Preparation of End of Case Letter and client questionnaire. 14. Free Brochures provided on other legal topics such as Workers Comp, Wills, Personal Injury 15. Free subscription to monthly e-mail newsletter. Provide your email address. 16. Follow up telephone advice [If you call, provide the specific questions with the message. You can also fax your questions]. 17. Invitation to client socials/ seminars and Community events via email. 18. Hold and maintain file for seven years in storage as free client service. 19. Free Magnet, Pen, T-shirt, soda/beer mug, foam soda can holder and estate planning book. Please ask Ken V or staff upon retaining the office. The legal work includes research, correspondence, preparation and drafting of pleadings or other legal documents, conferences in person and by telephone with you and with others, dictating and reviewing letters, negotiations, and any other related work or service to properly represent you in this matter. The Law Firm will provide legal representation through an attorney who is licensed to practice law in New Jersey. ERASE/EXPUNGEMENT OF OLD ARRESTS details We need: c1- client name _____________________ type of offense x2 ___________________ x3 Date of Arrest ___________________ x1 N.J.S.A. 2C: Statute Arrested For [ex 2C: 35-1] __________________ x4 Original Indictment, Summons, or Complaint Number ______________ e. Petitioners Date of Conviction or Date of Disposition __________ f. Courts Disposition of the Matter and Punishment Adopted, if Any c4 Town of arrest ______________ c3 County of arrest _____________ Other details needed in Petition: Petitioner herein who resides at _____________ 2. Petitioners date of birth is _______, Social Security Number is _________ This matter downgraded... [If matter was not downgraded, delete this line, & replace with: This was reviewed by the __________ Prosecutor] 6. On ______, the Honorable ___________ found Defendant guilty of the following offense: ________________________. c1 was fined _____, costs of ______ and ______. Once filed, the Superior Court will set a hearing within 35-60 days. As required under the statute, the attorney for the applicant must serve a copy of the Petition Order for hearing and supporting documents on the following people, Att: Expungement Unit: 1.) Superintendent of State Police 2.) Attorney General 3.) County Prosecutor of the county where the court is located 4.) The Chief of Police where the event took place 5.) The chief law enforcement officer of any law enforcement agency which participated in the arrest 6.) The warden of any institution where the petitioner was confined and 7.) If the disposition was made by a municipal court, upon the municipal court which heard the case. Our Computer Prints: 1. Verified Petition for Expungement 2. Statement to Accompany Petition 3. Order for Hearing - Court will fill in date 4. Letter to Expungement Unit - w/ Petition, Order for Hearing and Prop. Order for Expungement 5. Letter to Law Enforcement Groups - w/ Petition, Order for Hearing and Proposed Order for Expungement 6. Cert. of Service 7. Mailing Cert. of Service 8. Order for Expungement 9. Letter to Law Enforcement w/ signed Order for Expungement We call Superior Court and confirm address for Expungement Unit. Using Letter 4., We Mail to Expungement Unit- Orig. and one Petition Statement to Accompany Petition Order for Hearing Prop. Order for Expungement Check for $52.50 2 self-addressed stamped envelopes Court will sign Order and mail back stamped filed 1, 2 & 3. Using Letter 5 to Law Enforcement.- We need to prepare copies and envelopes to Law Enforcement. Prepare 4 address labels each for 1. State Police [no name of person needed] 2. Attorney General [no name of person needed] 3. County Prosecutor [no name of person needed] 4. Town Chief of Police [no name of person needed] ex. Edison Police Chief- Put name of town first 5. Town Municipal Court Administrator [no name of person needed] ex. Metuchen Court Administrator 6. Probation Department but only if person was on Probation, PTI, or conditional discharge. 7. Any other entity the court tells us to notify. New Jersey Attorney General Division of State Police Department of Law & Public Safety P.O. Box 7068 P.O. Box 080 West Trenton, NJ 08628 Trenton, NJ 08625 We need to make extra copies of labels because after Order for Expungement is signed we need to mail to all law enforcement. We set up letters with enclosures and mail. With a pen we handwrite under address label on non window envelope, “Expungement Unit.” We hand write the date mailed and send to these Law Enforcement the following -Petition and Verification. -Order for Hearing -Proposed Order When all the green cert. mail cards come in we put date mailed to Law Enforcement. on form 6 (Cert.) and mail to Court . We make copies of cert. mail green cards and letter before mailing out original green cards to court. We call Expungement Unit in 7 days to confirm they received green cards and no need to appear on hearing date. Court will mail signed Order for Expungement to us. We need to send Form 9. to all Law Enforcement. Regular mail, Att: Expungement Unit:. cc: w/o Order to Expungement Unit cc: w/ copy to client 4. Other Legal Services. We provide representation only on the charges/tickets/offenses you provided to us at the initial consultation. The Law Firm does not guarantee Kenneth Vercammen will be the hearing attorney. You and the Law Firm may make additional agreements to provide for legal services not covered by the Agreement. Without such agreements, the Law Firm is not required to do any additional work or any of the following: (a) Provide any legal services after appearance at the trial court; (b) File any Motions or Briefs not set forth on page 1 We recommend after the Order for Expungement is signed by the Judge that you to send a copy of the Order for Expungement to the police by Certified Mail. (c) Appeal any decisions of the trial court or make additional appearances after appearing in Court; (d) provide other legal services or advice not listed on page 1-3; or (e) Represent you in any other court or Tribunal 5. Costs. In addition to legal fees, you must pay the following costs and expenses if needed: costs for discovery and police reports, court costs, subpoena fees, and any other necessary expenses in this matter. 6. Your Responsibility- Please read carefully and follow instructions to help us help you. You must fully cooperate with the Law Firm and provide all information relevant to the issues involved in this matter. You must fill out the Interview Sheet accurately. We highly recommend if the court grants your expungement to send a copy of the signed order to the attorney general, court and police department yourself by certified mail and request they send to you verification the records were erased/ expunged. 4. You must notify the Law Office and the court immediately if your address or phone numbers change. 5. Under the NJ Rules of Professional Conduct and Court Rules, we cannot send a letter of representation to the court until the Retainer is paid in full. All fees and requirements under this written retainer agreement and any other written documents must be complied with. You must also pay all bills as required by this Agreement. If you do not comply with these requirements, the Law Firm will not represent you. Failure to comply with all requirements shall permit the law office to withdraw its offer of representation. We always charge a fee of between $50 - $100 for bad checks. 7. No Guarantee. The Law Firm agrees to provide conscientious, competent and diligent services and at all times will seek to achieve solutions which are just and reasonable for you. However, because of the uncertainty of legal proceedings, the interpretation and changes in the law and many unknown factors, attorneys cannot and do not warrant, predict or guarantee results or the final outcome of any case. Your payment of the legal fee indicates you have read and agree to this Agreement. This is a non-refundable retainer/representation fee, pursuant to Superior Court decisions and New Jersey RPC. 2C:52-1. Definition of expungement a. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, expungement shall mean the extraction and isolation of all records on file within any court, detention or correctional facility, law enforcement or criminal justice agency concerning a persons detection, apprehension, arrest, detention, trial or disposition of an offense within the criminal justice system. b. Expunged records shall include complaints, warrants, arrests, commitments, processing records, fingerprints, photographs, index cards, rap sheets and judicial docket records. L.1979, c. 178, s. 108, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. 2C:52-2. Indictable offenses 2C:52-2. Indictable Offenses. a. In all cases, except as herein provided, wherein a person has been convicted of a crime under the laws of this State and who has not been convicted of any prior or subsequent crime, whether within this State or any other jurisdiction, and has not been adjudged a disorderly person or petty disorderly person on more than two occasions may, after the expiration of a period of 10 years from the date of his conviction, payment of fine, satisfactory completion of probation or parole, or release from incarceration, whichever is later, present a duly verified petition as provided in section 2C:52-7 to the Superior Court in the county in which the conviction was entered praying that such conviction and all records and information pertaining thereto be expunged. Although subsequent convictions for no more than two disorderly or petty disorderly offenses shall not be an absolute bar to relief, the nature of those conviction or convictions and the circumstances surrounding them shall be considered by the court and may be a basis for denial of relief if they or either of them constitute a continuation of the type of unlawful activity embodied in the criminal conviction for which expungement is sought. b. Records of conviction pursuant to statutes repealed by this Code for the crimes of murder, manslaughter, treason, anarchy, kidnapping, rape, forcible sodomy, arson, perjury, false swearing, robbery, embracery, or a conspiracy or any attempt to commit any of the foregoing, or aiding, assisting or concealing persons accused of the foregoing crimes, shall not be expunged. Records of conviction for the following crimes specified in the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice shall not be subject to expungement: Section 2C:11-1 et seq. (Criminal Homicide), except death by auto as specified in section 2C:11-5; section 2C:13-1 (Kidnapping); section 2C:13-6 (Luring or Enticing); section 2C:14-2 (Aggravated Sexual Assault); section 2C:14-3a (Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact); if the victim is a minor, section 2C:14-3b (Criminal Sexual Contact); if the victim is a minor and the offender is not the parent of the victim, section 2C:13-2 (Criminal Restraint) or section 2C:13-3 (False Imprisonment); section 2C:15-1 (Robbery); section 2C:17-1 (Arson and Related Offenses); section 2C:24-4a. (Endangering the welfare of a child by engaging in sexual conduct which would impair or debauch the morals of the child); section 2C:24-4b(4) (Endangering the welfare of a child); section 2C:28-1 (Perjury); section 2C:28-2 (False Swearing) and conspiracies or attempts to commit such crimes. Records of conviction for any crime committed by a person holding any public office, position or employment, elective or appointive, under the government of this State or any agency or political subdivision thereof and any conspiracy or attempt to commit such a crime shall not be subject to expungement if the crime involved or touched such office, position or employment. c. In the case of conviction for the sale or distribution of a controlled dangerous substance or possession thereof with intent to sell, expungement shall be denied except where the crimes relate to: (1) Marijuana, where the total quantity sold, distributed or possessed with intent to sell was 25 grams or less, or (2) Hashish, where the total quantity sold, distributed or possessed with intent to sell was five grams or less. d. In the case of a State licensed physician or podiatrist convicted of an offense involving drugs or alcohol or pursuant to section 14 or 15 of P.L.1989, c.300 (C.2C:21-20 or 2C:21-4.1), the court shall notify the State Board of Medical Examiners upon receipt of a petition for expungement of the conviction and records and information pertaining thereto. Amended 1989,c.300,s.23; 1993,c.301; 1994,c.133,s.6. 2C:52-3. Disorderly persons offenses and petty disorderly persons offenses Any person convicted of a disorderly persons offense or petty disorderly persons offense under the laws of this State who has not been convicted of any prior or subsequent crime, whether within this State or any other jurisdiction, or of another three disorderly persons or petty disorderly persons offenses, may, after the expiration of a period of 5 years from the date of his conviction, payment of fine, satisfactory completion of probation or release from incarceration, whichever is later, present a duly verified petition as provided in section 2C:52-7 hereof to the Superior Court in the county in which the conviction was entered praying that such conviction and all records and information pertaining thereto be expunged. L.1979, c. 178, s. 110, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. Amended by L.1981, c. 290, s. 43, eff. Sept. 24, 1981. 2C:52-4. Ordinances In all cases wherein a person has been found guilty of violating a municipal ordinance of any governmental entity of this State and who has not been convicted of any prior or subsequent crime, whether within this State or any other jurisdiction, and who has not been adjudged a disorderly person or petty disorderly person on more than two occasions, may, after the expiration of a period of 2 years from the date of his conviction, payment of fine, satisfactory completion of probation or release from incarceration, whichever is later, present a duly verified petition as provided in section 2C:52-7 herein to the Superior Court in the county in which the violation occurred praying that such conviction and all records and information pertaining thereto be expunged. L.1979, c. 178, s. 111, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. 2C:52-4.1. Juvenile delinquent; expungement of adjudications and charges a. Any person adjudged a juvenile delinquent may have such adjudication expunged as follows: (1) Pursuant to N.J.S. 2C:52-2, if the act committed by the juvenile would have constituted a crime if committed by an adult; (2) Pursuant to N.J.S. 2C:52-3, if the act committed by the juvenile would have constituted a disorderly or petty disorderly persons offense if committed by an adult; or (3) Pursuant to N.J.S. 2C:52-4, if the act committed by the juvenile would have constituted an ordinance violation if committed by an adult. For purposes of expungement, any act which resulted in a juvenile being adjudged a delinquent shall be classified as if that act had been committed by an adult. b. Additionally, any person who has been adjudged a juvenile delinquent may have his entire record of delinquency adjudications expunged if: (1) Five years have elapsed since the final discharge of the person from legal custody or supervision or 5 years have elapsed after the entry of any other court order not involving custody or supervision; (2) He has not been convicted of a crime, or a disorderly or petty disorderly persons offense, or adjudged a delinquent, or in need of supervision, during the 5 years prior to the filing the petition, and no proceeding or complaint is pending seeking such a conviction or adjudication; (3) He was never adjudged a juvenile delinquent on the basis of an act which if committed by an adult would constitute a crime not subject to expungement under N.J.S. 2C:52-2; (4) He has never had an adult conviction expunged; and (5) He has never had adult criminal charges dismissed following completion of a supervisory treatment or other diversion program. c. Any person who has been charged with an act of delinquency and against whom proceedings were dismissed may have the filing of those charges expunged pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S. 2C:52-6. L.1980, c. 163, s. 1. Amended by L.1981, c. 290, s. 44, eff. Sept. 24, 1981. 2C:52-5. Expungement of records of young drug offenders Expungement of Records of Young Drug Offenders. Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 2C:52-2 and 2C:52-3, after a period of not less than one year following conviction, termination of probation or parole or discharge from custody, whichever is later, any person convicted of an offense under chapters 35 or 36 of this title for the possession or use of a controlled dangerous substance, convicted of violating P.L. 1955, c. 277, s. 3 (C. 2A:170-77.5), or convicted of violating P.L. 1962, c. 113, s. 1 (C. 2A:170-77.8), and who at the time of the offense was 21 years of age or younger, may apply to the Superior Court in the county wherein the matter was disposed of for the expungement of such persons conviction and all records pertaining thereto. The relief of expungement under this section shall be granted only if said person has not, prior to the time of hearing, violated any of the conditions of his probation or parole, albeit subsequent to discharge from probation or parole, has not been convicted of any previous or subsequent criminal act or any subsequent or previous violation of chapters 35 or 36 of this title or of P.L. 1955, c. 277, s. 3 (C. 2A:170-77.5) or of P.L. 1962, c. 113, s. 1 (C. 2A:170-77.8), or who has not had a prior or subsequent criminal matter dismissed because of acceptance into a supervisory treatment or other diversion program. This section shall not apply to any person who has been convicted of the sale or distribution of a controlled dangerous substance or possession with the intent to sell any controlled dangerous substance except: (1) Marihuana, where the total sold, distributed or possessed with intent to sell was 25 grams or less, or (2) Hashish, where the total amount sold, distributed or possessed with intent to sell was 5 grams or less. L. 1979, c. 178, s. 111; amended by L. 1987, c. 106, s. 16. 2C:52-6. Arrests not resulting in conviction a. In all cases, except as herein provided, wherein a person has been arrested or held to answer for a crime, disorderly persons offense, petty disorderly persons offense or municipal ordinance violation under the laws of this State or of any governmental entity thereof and against whom proceedings were dismissed, or who was acquitted, or who was discharged without a conviction or finding of guilt, may at any time following the disposition of proceedings, present a duly verified petition as provided in section 2C:52-7 to the Superior Court in the county in which the disposition occurred praying that records of such arrest and all records and information pertaining thereto be expunged. b. Any person who has had charges dismissed against him pursuant to P.L.1970, c. 226, s. 27 (C. 24:21-27) or pursuant to a program of supervisory treatment, shall be barred from the relief provided in this section until 6 months after the entry of the order of dismissal. c. Any person who has been arrested or held to answer for a crime shall be barred from the relief provided in this section where the dismissal, discharge, or acquittal resulted from a determination that the person was insane or lacked the mental capacity to commit the crime charged. L.1979, c. 178, s. 113, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. 2C:52-7. Petition for expungement Every petition for expungement filed pursuant to this chapter shall be verified and include: a. Petitioners date of birth. b. Petitioners date of arrest. c. The statute or statutes and offense or offenses for which petitioner was arrested and of which petitioner was convicted. d. The original indictment, summons or complaint number. e. Petitioners date of conviction, or date of disposition of the matter if no conviction resulted. f. The courts disposition of the matter and the punishment imposed, if any. L.1979, c. 178, s. 114, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. 2C:52-8. Statements to accompany petition There shall be attached to a petition for expungement: a. A statement with the affidavit or verification that there are no disorderly persons, petty disorderly persons or criminal charges pending against the petitioner at the time of filing of the petition for expungement. b. In those instances where the petitioner is seeking the expungement of a criminal conviction, a statement with affidavit or verification that he has never been granted expungement, sealing or similar relief regarding a criminal conviction by any court in this State or other state or by any Federal court. Sealing refers to the relief previously granted pursuant to P.L.1973, c. 191 (C. 2A:85-15 et seq.). c. In those instances where a person has received a dismissal of a criminal charge because of acceptance into a supervisory treatment or any other diversion program, a statement with affidavit or verification setting forth the nature of the original charge, the court of disposition and date of disposition. L.1979, c. 178, s. 115, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. 2C:52-9. Order fixing time for hearing Upon the filing of a petition for relief pursuant to this chapter, the court shall, by order, fix a time not less than 35 nor more than 60 days thereafter for hearing of the matter. L.1979, c. 178, s. 116, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. 2C:52-10. Service of petition and documents A copy of each petition, together with a copy of all supporting documents, shall be served pursuant to the rules of court upon the Superintendent of State Police; the Attorney General; the county prosecutor of the county wherein the court is located; the chief of police or other executive head of the police department of the municipality wherein the offense was committed; the chief law enforcement officer of any other law enforcement agency of this State which participated in the arrest of the individual; the superintendent or warden of any institution in which the petitioner was confined; and, if a disposition was made by a municipal court, upon the magistrate of that court. Service shall be made within 5 days from the date of the order setting the date for the hearing upon the matter. L.1979, c. 178, s. 117, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. 2C:52-11. Order expungement where no objection prior to hearing If, prior to the hearing, there is no objection from those law enforcement agencies notified or from those offices or agencies which are required to be served under 2C:52-10, and no reason, as provided in section 2C:52-14, appears to the contrary, the court may, without a hearing, grant an order directing the clerk of the court and all relevant criminal justice and law enforcement agencies to expunge records of said disposition including evidence of arrest, detention, conviction and proceedings related thereto. L.1979, c. 178, s. 118, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. 2C:52-12. Denial of relief although no objection entered In the event that none of the persons or agencies required to be noticed under 2C:52-10 has entered any objection to the relief being sought, the court may nevertheless deny the relief sought if it concludes that petitioner is not entitled to relief for the reasons provided in section 2C:52-14. L.1979, c. 178, s. 119, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. 2C:52-13. When hearing on petition for expungement shall not be held No petition for relief made pursuant to this section shall be heard by any court if the petitioner, at the time of filing or date of hearing, has a charge or charges pending against him which allege the commission of a crime, disorderly persons offense or petty disorderly persons offense. Such petition shall not be heard until such times as all pending criminal and or disorderly persons charges are adjudicated to finality. L.1979, c. 178, s. 120, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. 2C:52-14. Grounds for denial of relief A petition for expungement filed pursuant to this chapter shall be denied when: a. Any statutory prerequisite, including any provision of this chapter, is not fulfilled or there is any other statutory basis for denying relief. b. The need for the availability of the records outweighs the desirability of having a person freed from any disabilities as otherwise provided in this chapter. An application may be denied under this subsection only following objection of a party given notice pursuant to 2C:52-10 and the burden of asserting such grounds shall be on the objector. c. In connection with a petition under section 2C:52-6, the acquittal, discharge or dismissal of charges resulted from a plea bargaining agreement involving the conviction of other charges. This bar, however, shall not apply once the conviction is itself expunged. d. The arrest or conviction sought to be expunged is, at the time of hearing, the subject matter of civil litigation between the petitioner or his legal representative and the State, any governmental entity thereof or any State agency and the representatives or employees of any such body. e. A person has had a previous criminal conviction expunged regardless of the lapse of time between the prior expungement, or sealing under prior law, and the present petition. This provision shall not apply: (1) When the person is seeking the expungement of a municipal ordinance violation or, (2) When the person is seeking the expungement of records pursuant to section 2C:52-6. f. The person seeking the relief of expungement of a conviction for a disorderly persons, petty disorderly persons, or criminal offense has prior to or subsequent to said conviction been granted the dismissal of criminal charges following completion of a supervisory treatment or other diversion program. L.1979, c. 178, s. 121, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. 2C:52-15. Records to be removed; control If an order of expungement of records of arrest or conviction under this chapter is granted by the court, all the records specified in said order shall be removed from the files of the agencies which have been noticed of the pendency of petitioners motion and which are, by the provisions of this chapter, entitled to notice, and shall be placed in the control of a person who has been designated by the head of each such agency which, at the time of the hearing, possesses said records. That designated person shall, except as otherwise provided in this chapter, insure that such records or the information contained therein are not released for any reason and are not utilized or referred to for any purpose. In response to requests for information or records of the person who was arrested or convicted, all noticed officers, departments and agencies shall reply, with respect to the arrest, conviction or related proceedings which are the subject of the order, that there is no record information. L.1979, c. 178, s. 122, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. 2C:52-16. Expunged record including names of persons other than petitioner Any record or file which is maintained by a judicial or law enforcement agency, or agency in the criminal justice system, which is the subject of an order of expungement which includes the name or names of persons other than that of the petitioner need not be isolated from the general files of the agency retaining same if the other persons named in said record or file have not been granted an order of expungement of said record, provided that a copy of the record shall be given to the person designated in 2C:52-15 and the original shall remain in the agencys general files with the petitioners name and other personal identifiers obliterated and deleted. L.1979, c. 178, s. 123, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. 2C:52-17. Use of expunged records by agencies on pending petition for expungement Expunged records may be used by the agencies that possess same to ascertain whether a person has had prior conviction expunged, or sealed under prior law, when the agency possessing the record is noticed of a pending petition for the expungement of a conviction. Any such agency may supply information to the court wherein the motion is pending and to the other parties who are entitled to notice pursuant to 2C:52-10. L.1979, c. 178, s. 124, eff. Sept. 1, 1979 2C:52-18. Supplying information to violent crimes compensation board Information contained in expunged records may be supplied to the Violent Crimes Compensation Board, in conjunction with any claim which has been filed with said board. L.1979, c. 178, s. 125, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. 2C:52-19. Order of superior court permitting inspection of records or release of information; limitations Inspection of the files and records, or release of the information contained therein, which are the subject of an order of expungement, or sealing under prior law, may be permitted by the Superior Court upon motion for good cause shown and compelling need based on specific facts. The motion or any order granted pursuant thereto shall specify the person or persons to whom the records and information are to be shown and the purpose for which they are to be utilized. Leave to inspect shall be granted by the court only in those instances where the subject matter of the records of arrest or conviction is the object of litigation or judicial proceedings. Such records may not be inspected or utilized in any subsequent civil or criminal proceeding for the purposes of impeachment or otherwise but may be used for purposes of sentencing on a subsequent offense after guilt has been established. L.1979, c. 178, s. 126, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. 2C:52-20. Use of expunged records in conjunction with supervisory treatment or diversion programs Expunged records may be used by any judge in determining whether to grant or deny the persons application for acceptance into a supervisory treatment or diversion program for subsequent charges. Any expunged records which are possessed by any law enforcement agency may be supplied to the Attorney General, any county prosecutor or judge of this State when same are requested and are to be used for the purpose of determining whether or not to accept a person into a supervisory treatment or diversion program for subsequent charges. L.1979, c. 178, s. 127, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. 2C:52-21. Use of expunged records in conjunction with setting bail, presentence report or sentencing Expunged records, or sealed records under prior law, of prior arrests or convictions shall be provided to any judge, county prosecutor, probation department or the Attorney General when same are requested for use in conjunction with a bail hearing or for the preparation of a persistence report or for purpose of sentencing. L.1979, c. 178, s. 128, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. 2C:52-22. Use of expunged records by parole board Expunged records, or sealed records under prior law, of prior disorderly persons, petty disorderly persons and criminal convictions shall be provided to the Parole Board when same are requested for the purpose of evaluating the granting of parole to the person who is the subject of said records. Such sealed or expunged records may be used by the Parole Board in the same manner and given the same weight in its considerations as if the records had not been expunged or sealed. L.1979, c. 178, s. 129, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. 2C:52-23. Use of expunged records by department of corrections Expunged records, and records sealed under prior law, shall be provided to the Department of Corrections for its use solely in the classification, evaluation and assignment to correctional and penal institutions of persons placed in its custody. L.1979, c. 178, s. 130, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. 2C:52-24. County prosecutors obligation to ascertain propriety of petition Notwithstanding the notice requirements provided herein, it shall be the obligation of the county prosecutor of the county wherein any petition for expungement is filed to verify the accuracy of the allegations contained in the petition for expungement and to bring to the courts attention any facts which may be a bar to, or which may make inappropriate the granting of, such relief. If no disabling, adverse or relevant information is ascertained other than that as included in the petitioners affidavit, such facts shall be communicated by the prosecutor to the hearing judge. L.1979, c. 178, s. 131, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. 2C:52-25. Retroactive application This chapter shall apply to arrests and convictions which occurred prior to, and which occur subsequent to, the effective date of this act. L.1979, c. 178, s. 132, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. 2C:52-26. Vacating of orders of sealing; time; basis If, within 5 years of the entry of an expungement order, any party to whom notice is required to be given pursuant to section 2C:52-10 notifies the court which issued the order that at the time of the petition or hearing there were criminal, disorderly persons or petty disorderly persons charges pending against the person to whom the court granted such order, which charges were not revealed to the court at the time of hearing of the original motion or that there was some other statutory disqualification, said court shall vacate the expungement order in question and reconsider the original motion in conjunction with the previously undisclosed information. L.1979, c. 178, s. 133, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. 2C:52-27. Effect of expungement Unless otherwise provided by law, if an order of expungement is granted, the arrest, conviction and any proceedings related thereto shall be deemed not to have occurred, and the petitioner may answer any questions relating to their occurrence accordingly, except as follows: a. The fact of an expungement, sealing or similar relief shall be disclosed as provided in section 2C:52-8b. b. The fact of an expungement of prior charges which were dismissed because of the persons acceptance into and successful completion of a supervisory treatment or other diversion program shall be disclosed by said person to any judge who is determining the propriety of accepting said person into a supervisory treatment or other diversion program for subsequent criminal charges; and c. Information divulged on expunged records shall be revealed by a petitioner seeking employment within the judicial branch or with a law enforcement or corrections agency and such information shall continue to provide a disability as otherwise provided by law. L.1979, c. 178, s. 134, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. Amended by L.1981, c. 290, s. 45, eff. Sept. 24, 1981. 2C:52-27.1 Petition to rescind order of debarment for health care claims fraud. 5. a. If an order of expungement of records of conviction under the provisions of chapter 52 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes is granted by the court to a person convicted of health care claims fraud in which the court had ordered the offenders professional license be forfeited and the person be forever barred from the practice of the profession pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection a. of section 4 of P.L.1997, c.353 (C.2C:51-5), the person may petition the court for an order to rescind the courts order of debarment if the person can demonstrate that the person is sufficiently rehabilitated. b.If an order to rescind the courts order of debarment is granted, the person granted the order may apply to be licensed to practice the profession from which the offender was barred. L.1997,c.353,s.5. 2C:52-28. Motor vehicle offenses Nothing contained in this chapter shall apply to arrests or conviction for motor vehicle offenses contained in Title 39. L.1979, c. 178, s. 135, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. 2C:52-29. Fee Any person who files an application pursuant to this chapter shall pay to the State Treasurer a fee of $30.00 to defer administrative costs in processing an application hereunder. L.1979, c. 178, s. 136, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. 2C:52-30. Disclosure of expungement order Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, any person who reveals to another the existence of an arrest, conviction or related legal proceeding with knowledge that the records and information pertaining thereto have been expunged or sealed is a disorderly person. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 2C:43-3, the maximum fine which can be imposed for violation of this section is $200.00. L.1979, c. 178, s. 137, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. 2C:52-31. Limitation Nothing provided in this chapter shall be interpreted to permit the expungement of records contained in the Controlled Dangerous Substances Registry created pursuant to P.L.1970, c. 227 (C. 26:2G-17 et seq.), or the registry created by the Administrative Office of the Courts pursuant to section 2C:43-21. L.1979, c. 178, s. 138, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. 2C:52-32. Construction This chapter shall be construed with the primary objective of providing relief to the one-time offender who has led a life of rectitude and disassociated himself with unlawful activity, but not to create a system whereby periodic violators of the law or those who associate themselves with criminal activity have a regular means of expunging their police and criminal records. L.1979, c. 178, s. 139, eff. Sept. 1, 1979.