Local Ordinance Expungement

Town Ordinance Expungement Lawyers

Were our criminal charges downgraded to a local ordinance? If so, you may be thinking that your record is clear of any criminal offense. However, that is not necessarily the case. Regardless of the eventual outcome of your case, if your were arrested then your “record” will reflect both the downgraded ordinance you plead guilty to as well as the original criminal charge. For this reason, it is important that you file a motion to expunge the entire record. If granted, this expungement will allow for you to feel comfortable knowing that your criminal history is free from public view. If you had your charges for shoplifting, drug possession, possession of a Fake ID, criminal mischief or disorderly conduct downgraded to a local municipal ordinance, then contact an expungement attorney for assistance. For more information on the eligibility requirements, please read below.

When Can I Get My Charges Expunged?

The date of expungement depends entirely upon the applicant’s criminal record. In those instances where someone seeks to expunge a borough ordinance or municipal ordinance, there is a two (2) year waiting period. Specifically, N.J.S.A. 2C:52-4, states:

“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.”

Essentially, you are eligible for an expungement of an ordinance violation in New Jersey if:

• You have no prior indictable crime conviction (If so, refer to to this information)
• You have not plead guilty to more than two disorderly persons and petty disorderly persons offenses (misdemeanors) in this State or any other state;
• It has been at least two (2) years since you were found guilty of the Municipal Ordinance.

How Long Does it Take to Get an Expungement in NJ?

If you are seeking an expungement, the first thing you need to understand is that this is a long process. Obtaining the court Order for expungement alone will take roughly three (3) months. Then the Court will serve the Order on the relevant parties that maintain information on the defendant’s record so that they may begin removing the records. This process will likely take another three to four (4) months. These time frames are subject to change but in today’s current climate, these are the common waiting periods in most New Jersey counties.

Expungement Attorneys in Burlington Township NJ

For an immediate and complimentary consultation with an experienced New Jersey Expungement Attorney, please contact our office today at (609) 850-8284. Our office has successfully filed for expungements of felony criminal records, misdemeanor records, diversionary programs and borough ordinances on countless occasions. Our office serves all of Burlington County, including Evesham, Mount Laurel, Cinnaminson, Moorestown, Medford, Maple Shade, Westampton, Pemberton and Bordentown, just to name a few. Don’t hesitate, start the process of cleaning your record today.