{"id":374950,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:01","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/new-jersey-law\/expungement-an-answer-to-employment-background-checks-in-new-jer.html"},"modified":"2025-06-09T13:01:33","modified_gmt":"2025-06-09T18:01:33","slug":"expungement-an-answer-to-employment-background-checks-in-new-jer","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-jersey-law\/expungement-an-answer-to-employment-background-checks-in-new-jer.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Expunge a Criminal Record in New Jersey"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To Expunge a Criminal Record in New Jersey<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Having a criminal history is a liability for modern Americans. Employers, landlords, and colleges perform routine criminal background checks. Even if an offense happened many years ago, you may lose access to certain jobs with a criminal background.<\/p>\r\n

Most states, including New Jersey, have made things easier for those with criminal records. A legal process called expungement can clear some or even all of your arrests and convictions from your record. You should discuss your case with a New Jersey expungement attorney<\/a> before taking steps to expunge your record.<\/p>\r\n

What To Know About New Jersey Expungement Law<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

If potential employers perform a background check, they can see your arrest record and other details of your court history. Once you have your records expunged, they are invisible. Employers and investigators cannot access expunged records. Sealed records are only visible to agencies like the FBI and law enforcement agencies.<\/p>\r\n

New Jersey state law has a waiting period of five years<\/a> after you complete your sentence before you can request an expungement. The waiting period begins after you complete your incarceration, probation, parole, or other conditions of your sentence.<\/p>\r\n

This type of expungement only removes one conviction and no more than three disorderly persons\/misdemeanor offenses from your record. You can file for this expungement if:<\/p>\r\n