Last reviewed . Law current as of October 2026.
An expungement in New Jersey removes and isolates records of an arrest, charge, or conviction under N.J.S.A. 2C:52. Eligibility depends on the type and number of offenses and the time passed; some offenses can never be expunged. Petitions are filed in the Superior Court in the county of the arrest or conviction, including through the free eCourts Expungement System.
What can be expunged
- Arrests and charges that were dismissed or did not lead to a conviction
- Charges dismissed after PTI, conditional discharge, or conditional dismissal
- Many disorderly persons and municipal ordinance convictions, after a waiting period
- Many indictable convictions, after a waiting period, subject to limits on the number of convictions
- Certain marijuana offenses, many of which were expunged automatically
Some serious offenses are permanently barred from expungement under N.J.S.A. 2C:52-2. Waiting periods and limits depend on your full record, so check eligibility before filing. Legal Services of New Jersey has a free eligibility tool.
Clean Slate
New Jersey's Clean Slate law (N.J.S.A. 2C:52-5.3) allows a person to petition to expunge their entire record if at least 10 years have passed since their most recent conviction, payment of fine, completion of probation or parole, or release from incarceration, whichever is later, and none of the offenses is barred.
The process
A petition and proposed order are filed with the Superior Court. The prosecutor and certain agencies are notified and may object. A judge decides whether to grant the expungement. If granted, agencies are ordered to remove and isolate the records. See NJ Courts: Expunging your court record.
Frequently asked questions
Can I expunge a dismissed charge in New Jersey?
Generally yes. Arrests and charges that did not result in a conviction, including those dismissed after a diversion program, can generally be expunged under N.J.S.A. 2C:52.
What is Clean Slate expungement in New Jersey?
Clean Slate (N.J.S.A. 2C:52-5.3) lets a person petition to expunge their whole record once at least 10 years have passed since their most recent conviction or release, as long as none of the offenses is barred from expungement.
Where do I file for an expungement?
In the Superior Court in the county where the arrest or conviction happened. The New Jersey Judiciary's eCourts Expungement System lets people file online at no cost.
Where we handle these cases
Essex County · Hudson County · Bergen County · Passaic County · Union County · Middlesex County · Monmouth County · Morris County · Ocean County · Mercer County · Somerset County · Hunterdon County · Sussex County · Warren County
Sources
This page provides general information about New Jersey law. It is not legal advice, and reading it or contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different and no outcome is guaranteed.