Expunging or Sealing a Felony in New Jersey
Which felony convictions can be expunged or sealed in New Jersey, the waiting period, and how to file.
Short answer: A person may apply to expunge one crime (indictable offense) plus up to three disorderly or petty disorderly persons offenses; multiple crimes in a single judgment; or closely related crimes committed in a short period of time. N.J.S.A. 2C:52-2(a)–(c), 2C:52-5.3 (as enacted by P.L.2019, c.269)
| Felony convictions | A person may apply to expunge one crime (indictable offense) plus up to three disorderly or petty disorderly persons offenses; multiple crimes in a single judgment; or closely related crimes committed in a short period of time. The wait is 5 years after the most recent conviction, payment of fines, completion of probation or parole, or release, whichever is later. A court may allow filing after 4 years if it finds compelling circumstances, or when unpaid fines are not due to willful noncompliance. Never eligible: criminal homicide (except death by auto and strict-liability vehicular homicide), kidnapping, luring, human trafficking, sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual contact, robbery, arson, perjury, terrorism, several child sexual-exploitation offenses, and crimes by public officials related to their office. Drug sale or distribution convictions are not eligible except small amounts of marijuana or hashish, or third- or fourth-degree offenses where the court finds compelling circumstances. "Clean Slate" expungement lets someone with any number of eligible convictions expunge their entire record 10 years after the most recent conviction, payment, supervision or release. |
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| How to apply | Apply online through the Judiciary's free eCourts Expungement System, using the case number (Superior Court docket or municipal summons or warrant number). The petition is filed in the Superior Court for the county of the most recent conviction, and prosecutors may object. A court appearance is not always required. After a judge signs the order, it is sent to law enforcement agencies, and the New Jersey State Police remove the records from the state criminal history system. Their Expungement Status Portal lets you track processing. |
| What clearing a record does | Expungement removes from public view the arrest, all related court proceedings, the conviction, and the outcome and sentence. Expunged cases cannot be found in any public Judiciary database and cannot be disclosed by court staff. The state police remove expunged complaints from the criminal history system used for background checks. The statutory effects section (N.J.S.A. 2C:52-27) was not read, so disclosure rules for employment and licensing, and any remaining agency access, are not described here. |
Where to get help in New Jersey
More New Jersey expungement & criminal records
- Getting a Copy of Your New Jersey Criminal Record
- Clearing a DUI From Your Record in New Jersey
- How to File for Expungement in New Jersey
- Sealing or Expunging Juvenile Records in New Jersey
- All New Jersey expungement & criminal records rules
FAQ
Can a felony be expunged in New Jersey?
A person may apply to expunge one crime (indictable offense) plus up to three disorderly or petty disorderly persons offenses; multiple crimes in a single judgment; or closely related crimes committed in a short period of time. The wait is 5 years after the most recent conviction, payment of fines, completion of probation or parole, or release, whichever is later. A court may allow filing after 4 years if it finds compelling circumstances, or when unpaid fines are not due to willful noncompliance. Never eligible: criminal homicide (except death by auto and strict-liability vehicular homicide), kidnapping, luring, human trafficking, sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual contact, robbery, arson, perjury, terrorism, several child sexual-exploitation offenses, and crimes by public officials related to their office. Drug sale or distribution convictions are not eligible except small amounts of marijuana or hashish, or third- or fourth-degree offenses where the court finds compelling circumstances. "Clean Slate" expungement lets someone with any number of eligible convictions expunge their entire record 10 years after the most recent conviction, payment, supervision or release.
How do you file for expungement in New Jersey?
Apply online through the Judiciary's free eCourts Expungement System, using the case number (Superior Court docket or municipal summons or warrant number). The petition is filed in the Superior Court for the county of the most recent conviction, and prosecutors may object. A court appearance is not always required. After a judge signs the order, it is sent to law enforcement agencies, and the New Jersey State Police remove the records from the state criminal history system. Their Expungement Status Portal lets you track processing.
What happens after a record is expunged or sealed in New Jersey?
Expungement removes from public view the arrest, all related court proceedings, the conviction, and the outcome and sentence. Expunged cases cannot be found in any public Judiciary database and cannot be disclosed by court staff. The state police remove expunged complaints from the criminal history system used for background checks.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.