A bill sitting in a New Jersey State Assembly committee would prohibit individuals from legally changing their name if they were convicted of certain crimes. It would also require a background check for anyone who applied to have their name changed.
Bill A2486 would require NJ state police to cross reference the name and fingerprints of anyone who applies for a name change with those on file with the FBI’s Identification Division and the State Bureau of Identification in the Division of State Police. Applicants would have to consent to the background in order for the application to move forward. He or she would also be required to assume the cost of the background check.
Should the bill pass in its current form, anyone who has been convicted of a violent crime would be barred from changing their name. Violent crimes, as defined by NJ law, include murder, manslaughter, vehicular homicide, aggravated assault, disarming a law enforcement officer, kidnapping, sexual assault, robbery, carjacking, burglary, extortion, terrorism and more.
Another provision of the bill would require the court to notify the victim(s) of such crimes, or a member of the victim’s immediate family, when an applicant requests a name change.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a criminal offense in New Jersey, contact an attorney for help. The lawyers of the Rosenblum Law Firm are skilled criminal defense attorneys with experience helping people in difficult situations. Email the Rosenblum Law Firm or call 888-815-3649 today for a free consultation about your case.
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