New Jersey Theft Expungement

Expungement offers people a chance to overcome the stigma of past mistakes and pursue a more positive future. A theft expungement can lead to new opportunities for those who take responsibility for their crimes and want to be lawful and productive citizens.

A New Jersey expungement lawyer can help you remove economic and social barriers and enjoy the same opportunities as someone without a criminal conviction. Let our experienced team show you how you could be eligible for a “do-over” and start fresh. Contact the Law Office of Jason A. Volet for a free consultation to begin your journey toward a brighter future.

What Is Expungement?

Expungement is a legal process that erases or removes someone’s criminal record from public view. It is a clean slate that allows people to move forward after paying the price of past mistakes.

Living with a criminal record limits your personal, professional, financial, educational, and social opportunities. It is challenging to get a second chance when your record is accessible to potential employers and landlords. With an expungement:

• You do not have to disclose past arrests, charges, or convictions on most employment, housing, or higher education applications.
• You can seek restoration of civil rights such as voting and owning firearms.
• You improve your chances of pursuing careers that might have been unavailable with a criminal record.

What Information Can Be Removed from a Criminal Record?

When a criminal record is expunged, the information that is part of that record is destroyed. All relevant documentation is removed, including the following:

• Fingerprints
• Photographs, including mugshots
• Warrants related to the crime
• Complaints related to the crime
• Arrests related to the crime
• Processing records
• Judicial docket records and court proceedings

Is a New Jersey Theft Charge Eligible for Expungement?

New Jersey theft charges may be eligible for expungement depending on the classification of the charges. The New Jersey criminal code defines theft crimes as either “disorderly persons offenses” (misdemeanors) or “indictable offenses” (felonies). For instance, many people convicted of shoplifting, which is a disorderly persons offense, are eligible for expungement. On the other hand, robbery is a second-degree offense that is not eligible for expungement.

Other factors that affect theft expungement eligibility include:

• The seriousness of the crime
• The number of convictions
• How much time has passed since the offense

A New Jersey theft expungement attorney can review the circumstances surrounding your case to determine if you may be eligible to clear it from your record.

At What Dollar Amount Does a Theft Charge Become an Indictable Offense?

In New Jersey, theft of property with a value of less than $200 is a disorderly persons offense. A theft charge becomes an indictable offense when the property stolen is valued at more than $200.

Other factors that can affect whether a theft charge is an indictable offense include:

• The specific type of theft
• Prior convictions
• Whether a weapon was involved
• Whether another crime was committed with the theft

Whether your theft charge was a disorderly persons or indictable offense can make a difference if you are looking to expunge several convictions. You are allowed to expunge one indictable offense and up to three disorderly persons offenses.

How Long Can a Theft Charge Stay on My Record?

Typically, a theft charge remains on a person’s permanent record indefinitely unless steps are taken to remove it. For most crimes, the waiting period is five years for a single offense. Under the recent “clean slate” reform law in New Jersey, more people are eligible for expungement. The “clean slate” provision allows an individual to expunge an entire record of arrests and convictions after a 10-year waiting period.

Are There Certain Crimes That Are Not Eligible for Expungement?

Serious indictable offenses do not qualify for expungement. In New Jersey, the crimes that are not eligible for expungement include:

• Homicide
• Robbery
• Arson
• Distribution or sale of certain drugs
• Sexual assault
• Kidnapping
• Endangering a child
• Engaging in human trafficking
• Acts of terrorism

How Do I Request a Theft Expungement?

Requesting a theft expungement can be overwhelming if you are unfamiliar with the legal system. At the Law Office of Jason A. Volet, we guide individuals through the steps for requesting and obtaining a theft expungement. Our team can help you with the process by:

• Reviewing your case and ensuring all requirements are met
• Gathering any necessary information or documents to complete the process
• Filing the request with accuracy and including any relevant supporting documentation
• Handling any future developments, such as required court dates and objections

An expungement can have life-changing effects on your life. With so much on the line, you should trust your case with a skilled New Jersey theft expungement counselor. To get started, contact us today for a free consultation.

Will I Have to Go to Court for an Expungement?

In some cases, you may be required to appear in court and provide additional information about your case. This is when having a lawyer can be particularly helpful, as they can handle this process for you.

Contact a New Jersey Theft Expungement Legal Adviser

Expunging criminal records in New Jersey can open doors previously closed to those with a criminal conviction. An experienced New Jersey theft expungement legal adviser with the Law Office of Jason A. Volet can guide you through the legal process to help you pursue a clean slate for a full and rewarding life. Contact us today to learn how we can help you during a free consultation.

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