Criminal Records Erased Quicker For Some Ex-Offenders In New Jersey
By Kim Glovas
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Beginning today, non-violent ex-offenders in New Jersey will be able to have their criminal record erased in a shorter period of time.
What used to take ten years will take less than half that period of time.
The new expungement law applies to thousands of people according to Akil Roper, of Legal Services of New Jersey.
"It's really designed to give people with one or very few offenses a fresh start by removing arrests and convictions from their criminal record."
Those crimes could be drug related or disorderly conduct charges, and he says they can be obstacles to moving back into society, especially where there are background checks.
"It does remove it from view for most people, so when folks go for a job interview or they go apply for housing, it won't show up on a background report."
Legal Services has an online tool to help people determine if they're eligible. The website is LSNJ.org, and ex-offenders should look for the "Clearing Your Record Online" button.
