How to Expunge an Ordinance in NJ
There is a big misconception in New Jersey that a township ordinance conviction will not show up on a criminal background check. If you or a loved one has been charged with simple assault, criminal mischief, harassment, possession of a fake id or any other criminal offense for that matter and it is amended to a township ordinance, it will show up on a criminal background check. Therefore, if you are seeking to obtain gainful employment, admission into your dream college or obtain a professional license, you will most likely need to explain the incident. With that being said, the New Jersey criminal code allows for defendant’s convicted of a township ordinance to have their criminal record expunged, that is provided certain requirements are meet. For more information on the requirements, please see below.
If you or a loved one has been convicted of a township ordinance in Morris County, in towns like Madison, Dover, Denville, Mount Olive, Roxbury, Chatham, Montville, Pequannock or Rockaway, the Law Office of Jonathan F. Marshall can help expunge your record. Our office has over 200 years of combined experience on staff, including years of prior prosecuting experience. If you would like to come into our Morristown office and discuss your options with any one of the eight criminal defense lawyers on staff, then please contact us directly at 973.309.7050. We are available 24/7 to help assist in any way possible. Now here is some key information on expunging a township ordinance in New Jersey.
Expungement Lawyer in Madison NJ
The governing statute in New Jersey for expunging a township ordinance is N.J.S.A. 2C:52-4, which states in pertinent part:
In all cases wherein a person has been found guilty of violating a municipal ordinance of any governmental entity of this State and who has not been convicted of any prior or subsequent crime, whether within this State or any other jurisdiction, and who has not been adjudged a disorderly person or petty disorderly person on more than two occasions, may, after the expiration of a period of 2 years from the date of his conviction, payment of fine, satisfactory completion of probation or release from incarceration, whichever is later, present a duly verified petition as provided in section 2C:52-7 herein to the Superior Court in the county in which the violation occurred praying that such conviction and all records and information pertaining thereto be expunged.
Unlike other sections of the expungement statute, there is no limit on the amount of township ordinances that a Defendant may seek to expunge. Of course, that is provided that the other requirements with regards to prior criminal convictions are satisfied. For more information on expunging disorderly persons offenses (misdemeanors) click here and for more information on expunging indictable convictions (felony) click here.
Expungement Attorney in New Jersey
Having any sort of criminal history, whether it be for a conviction of a criminal offense, a township ordinance or an arrest not resulting in a conviction, can drastically effect your future. It can prevent you from gaining meaningful employment, being accepted into your dream college or obtaining that big promotion at work. Under New Jersey law, your criminal record will remain there unless an expungement is granted. Therefore, it is imperative to take advantage of the expungement process as soon as your are eligible. If you have been convicted of a criminal offense or township ordinance in towns like Butler, Mendham, Washington, East Hanover, Boonton or Parsippany we can help expunge it. For a free initial consultation, please contact our Morristown office at 973.309.7050.