NEW JERSEY
How to Clear Your Criminal Record
in New Jersey
in New Jersey
A free, plain English guide to expungement in New Jersey — standard expungement, Clean Slate, and who qualifies under N.J.S.A. 2C:52.
LEGAL TERM
Expungement
FILING FEE
$75 (waivable)
GOVERNING LAW
N.J.S.A. 2C:52-1 et seq.
What You Need to Know First
New Jersey has one of the most expansive expungement laws in the country. The Clean Slate law allows expungement of virtually all eligible convictions after 10 years — including people who have had prior expungements. If you don't qualify for standard expungement, Clean Slate may still apply.
New Jersey uses three main expungement pathways. Understanding which applies to your situation is the critical first step. New Jersey uses different terminology than most states — what most states call "felonies" are called "indictable offenses" in New Jersey, and "misdemeanors" are called "disorderly persons offenses."
Standard Expungement
N.J.S.A. 2C:52-2 / 2C:52-3
For one indictable offense plus up to three disorderly persons offenses — after 5 years. Or up to five disorderly persons offenses with no indictable conviction — after 5 years. Most common pathway for people with limited criminal history.
Clean Slate Expungement
N.J.S.A. 2C:52-5.3
For people who don't qualify for standard expungement — covers virtually all eligible convictions after 10 years from the last conviction or release, regardless of the number of convictions. Even prior expungements don't bar Clean Slate eligibility.
Arrests & Dismissals
N.J.S.A. 2C:52-6
Arrests that did not result in conviction — including dismissed charges, acquittals, and no bills — can be expunged immediately with no waiting period. No filing fee required for most dismissed charge expungements.
What Can — and Can't — Be Expunged
ELIGIBLE FOR EXPUNGEMENT
- Most indictable offense (felony) convictions — after 5 years
- Disorderly persons offenses — after 5 years
- Petty disorderly persons offenses — after 5 years
- Municipal ordinance violations — after 2 years
- Dismissed charges and acquittals — immediately, no fee
- Juvenile adjudications — after 3 years
- Drug possession offenses — most qualify
- Multiple convictions — under Clean Slate after 10 years
NOT ELIGIBLE FOR EXPUNGEMENT
- Murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, rape, robbery
- Arson, perjury, false swearing, treason
- Criminal sexual contact offenses
- Crimes involving public office or position
- Drug distribution — except small amounts of marijuana or hashish
- Pending criminal charges
- Currently on probation or parole
NJ terminology note: "Indictable offenses" = felonies. "Disorderly persons offenses" = misdemeanors. "Petty disorderly persons offenses" = minor misdemeanors. These terms are used throughout NJ courts and forms.
Waiting Periods
Waiting periods run from the later of: conviction date, payment of all fines and restitution, completion of probation or parole, or release from incarceration. If fines are unpaid due to reasons other than willful noncompliance, the court may still grant expungement and convert remaining fines to a civil judgment.
Dismissed charges / acquittals
Immediately
Municipal ordinance violations
2 years
Disorderly persons offenses — standard
5 years
Indictable offense (felony) — standard
5 years
Clean Slate — all eligible convictions
10 years
How to File — Step by Step
1
Check Your Eligibility
Use the NJ Courts free eligibility tool at njcourts.gov to determine which pathway applies to you. You can also use the free online interview at lsnjlaw.org from Legal Services of New Jersey.
2
Get Your NJ Criminal History
Request a copy of your New Jersey criminal history from the NJ State Police at njsp.org. You'll need this to confirm the details of each conviction you want to expunge.
3
Complete the Expungement Petition
Download the expungement petition forms from the NJ Courts website. You must file a separate verified petition for each conviction you want expunged. Each petition must include the date of conviction, the offense, the court, and the sentence imposed. The NJ Courts eCourts system allows you to file electronically.
4
File with the Superior Court
File your petition with the Superior Court in the county where you reside or where one or more convictions were adjudged. Pay the $75 filing fee — or request a fee waiver if you cannot afford it. You can also file electronically through the NJ Courts eCourts expungement portal.
5
Serve Copies on Required Agencies
New Jersey requires you to send copies of your petition to multiple agencies — including the NJ State Police, the prosecutor's office, the arresting agency, and the Department of Corrections if you were incarcerated. The court provides a list of required agencies when you file.
6
Attend a Hearing if Scheduled
If no agency objects within 60 days, the court may grant the expungement without a hearing. If an agency does object — typically the prosecutor — the court schedules a hearing. The judge weighs the public interest against your interest in expungement.
7
After Expungement Is Granted
The court issues an expungement order to all relevant agencies. Records are extracted, sealed, and impounded — no longer accessible to the public. The entire process typically takes 3 to 6 months. Private background check companies must remove expunged records upon notice.
Official Forms and Resources
NJ Courts — Expungement Self-Help
Official NJ Courts expungement page — eligibility information, petition forms, and eCourts filing portal
Visit njcourts.gov →
NJ Courts eCourts — File Online
File your expungement petition electronically through the NJ Courts eCourts expungement system
File at njcourts.gov →
NJ State Police — Criminal History
Request your official New Jersey criminal history record before filing your petition
Visit njsp.org →
LSNJ Law — Free Eligibility Interview
Free online interview from Legal Services of NJ that walks you through eligibility and helps prepare your petition
Visit lsnjlaw.org →
Helpful Resources
FREE LEGAL HELP
Legal Services of New Jersey
Free legal help for low-income New Jersey residents — including expungement assistance and eligibility tools
lsnj.org →
FREE LEGAL HELP
NJ Law Help
Free legal information and referrals for New Jersey residents — including expungement guides and resources
njlawhelp.org →
HOUSING, FOOD & BENEFITS
findhelp.org
Search thousands of free and reduced-cost programs for housing, food, work, and more in your area
findhelp.org →
JOB SEARCH HELP
American Job Centers
Free job search assistance, resume help, and training — including resources for people with records
careeronestop.org →
CLEAN SLATE INFO
NJ Courts — Clean Slate Guide
Official information on New Jersey's Clean Slate expungement law and who qualifies
njcourts.gov →
COURT LOCATIONS
NJ Superior Court Locations
Find your county Superior Court to file your expungement petition in person
njcourts.gov →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between standard expungement and Clean Slate in New Jersey?
Standard expungement covers one indictable offense plus up to three disorderly persons offenses after 5 years — or up to five disorderly persons offenses with no indictable conviction. Clean Slate is the broader pathway available after 10 years that covers virtually all eligible convictions regardless of number — including people who have had prior expungements denied or granted. If you don't qualify for standard expungement, Clean Slate may still apply.
What are "indictable offenses" and "disorderly persons offenses" in New Jersey?
New Jersey uses different terminology from most states. "Indictable offenses" are what most states call felonies — more serious crimes tried in Superior Court. "Disorderly persons offenses" and "petty disorderly persons offenses" are what most states call misdemeanors — less serious offenses. Understanding this terminology is essential when reading New Jersey expungement law and forms.
Can I legally deny the conviction after expungement?
Yes — after expungement in New Jersey, all records are extracted, sealed, and impounded. You can legally answer "no" when asked about criminal convictions on most job applications, housing applications, and in most other situations. Exceptions include applications for law enforcement positions, certain judicial proceedings, and immigration matters with federal agencies.
Can I file my petition online?
Yes — New Jersey has an eCourts expungement portal that allows you to file your petition online, pay the filing fee, and track your case status. This is one of the most user-friendly expungement filing systems in the country. Visit njcourts.gov for access to the portal and filing instructions.
What if I can't afford the filing fee or my fines aren't paid?
New Jersey has flexible provisions for both. If you cannot afford the $75 filing fee you can request a fee waiver from the court. If your fines aren't fully paid due to reasons other than willful noncompliance — financial hardship, for example — the court can still grant expungement and convert remaining fines to a civil judgment. This is one of the more generous provisions in New Jersey's law.
Do I need an attorney?
Not required — and New Jersey's eCourts system makes self-filing more accessible than in most states. Legal Services of New Jersey offers free help for those who qualify, and the LSNJ Law free online interview walks you through eligibility and petition preparation. For complex cases with multiple convictions or prior denials, working with an attorney is recommended.
After Your Record Is Expunged
After expungement in New Jersey, all records are extracted, sealed, and impounded. You can legally deny the conviction on most job and housing applications. Records are not accessible to the public, employers, or landlords.
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Employment
Expunged records are not accessible to most employers. You can legally deny the conviction on most private job applications. New Jersey's Opportunity to Compete Act restricts when employers can ask about criminal history. Law enforcement employers and certain regulated professions may still have access.
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Gun Rights
Expungement of a disorderly persons offense generally leaves gun rights intact. Expungement of an indictable offense conviction does not automatically restore federal firearms rights — federal law still applies. Consult a licensed New Jersey attorney before purchasing or possessing a firearm if you have any indictable offense history.
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Professional Licensing
Most New Jersey licensing boards cannot use expunged convictions against applicants. However certain regulated professions — healthcare, law, education — may still require disclosure or retain access. Contact the specific licensing board before applying.
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Background Check Databases
Private background check companies must remove expunged records upon notice from the NJ State Police. Some databases may take time to update. Keep your expungement order and dispute any records that still appear. The eCourts system makes it easier to obtain certified copies of your expungement order.
For general information about what changes after expungement — including housing, employment resources, and more — visit our After Expungement page.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change — always verify current requirements with your county court clerk or a licensed attorney in your state before filing.