Defending Your Rights Throughout The Expungement Process
If you have ever been convicted of a crime or any offenses in Camden County or the surrounding counties, you might feel a sense of dread every time a potential landlord or employer tells you they will conduct a background check. Your criminal record can follow you for a lifetime, well after your punishment has been completed and you have learned the error of your ways.
I believe in helping clients obtain that fresh start so that they can move on to lead productive lives without fear that their criminal past will get in the way. If you have questions about whether your record is now eligible for expungement, turn to me, attorney Jill R. Cohen. With decades of criminal defense experience, I understand how the criminal justice system works and the impact it has on those convicted, as well as their families. I offer compassionate, understanding representation, as I know how difficult criminal matters can be. I work tirelessly to see that your expungement or other post-conviction matter, such as an appeal, is granted whenever possible
What Is Expungement?
Expungement is essentially the process through which your prior criminal record is cleared, giving you the true fresh start that you need to move forward with your life. However, historically, the availability of expungement has been limited to those who have committed certain types of offenses, generally without demonstrating evidence of subsequent criminal activity. New Jersey’s new expungement law significantly expands the availability of expungement for many who have been accused or convicted in the past.
For those with certain professional goals, a lingering criminal record can even impact your ability to obtain a license to work in your chosen field of employment, prevent you from getting federal funding for college or prevent you from getting housing of your choice. Fortunately, New Jersey recently passed a new law to expand the number of prior offenders who may now be eligible to have their criminal records expunged. I have filed numerous petitions for expungement, and all of them have been granted.
What Do The Courts Consider?
The court will look to the type of offense, as well as to your character and conduct since the time of conviction. Usually, this will include whether you have been arrested on any other criminal charges, maintained gainful employment, attended school or attained higher education, and completed any required punishment or counseling requirements.
Most violent crimes are not eligible for expungement even under the newly expanded rules. For example, murder, robbery, arson, sex crimes, human trafficking and certain drug crimes can never be expunged from your record. Child endangerment convictions and convictions of child pornography can never be expunged.
Discuss Your Expungement Concerns Today
Get in touch with me today to learn about how I work to provide innovative solutions for clients who have been accused or convicted of a crime in the past. Call my office today at 856-754-5501 or contact me online to schedule a free initial consultation. From my Haddonfield office, I handle expungement cases throughout the state.
