Many people seek an expungement of their criminal record in New Jersey after it has caused them some trouble, such as a lost job opportunity. As such, it is common to ask if there is any way to expedite the expungement process. Here is what can be done.
How Long Does the Expungement Process Take?
A typical expungement can take as long as a year, depending on whether or not a hearing is required. Unfortunately, there is no formal way to speed up the expungement process—but there are some things that a person can do to avoid delays. This includes ensuring that all information on the application is accurate, especially one’s criminal history. A good way to do that is to obtain a copy of one’s criminal record before beginning the filing process.
Another is to hire an attorney with extensive experience filing expungements. There are attorneys who will gladly help a client file the paperwork despite doing so infrequently. It is far more beneficial to hire someone who handles numerous expungement cases each year. As such, the person will be expertly familiar with the paperwork, the process, and often the prosecutors who may challenge an expungement request.
Why Is the Expungement Process So Long?
All expungements must be filed through New Jersey State Police. Due to understaffing, there is a huge bottleneck of applications waiting to be sorted through. All expungement applications are handled on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Even worse, once a judge signs an expungement order, the order must be sent to the New Jersey State Police again so that all records of the crime(s) can be isolated and removed from relevant databases.
Do All Expungements Take So Long?
Not all expungements take a long time. For example, cases that are not challenged by a District Attorney can often be resolved in only a few months. Similarly, there a class of expungements known as special expungements, which involve less paperwork and shorter wait times. Special expungements apply in cases where the defendant was not convicted, completed a Pre-Trial Intervention, or graduated from drug court.
Who Should I Contact for Help with My Expungement?
If you or someone you love wants to expedite an expungement, contact the attorneys at Rosenblum Law right away. Our expert attorneys have extensive experience filing expungements in New Jersey. In addition to doing everything possible to avoid delays, we will also work hard to ensure your application has the least chance of going to trial or being denied by a judge. Email Rosenblum Law or call 888-815-3694 today for a free consultation about your case.
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