If you are charged with a criminal offense in NJ, you will have a criminal record even if you are not convicted. And your employer can see it. To clear your past (expunging a criminal record), you will need to file a Verified Petition with the Superior Court. There are time limits (think ‘waiting’ periods) that will have to be met before you will be eligible for this type of relief. There are also limits… read more →
When the police signal you to stop your car, STOP or you can also be charged with the crime of eluding. In New Jersey, even if the reason for the stop was to give you a traffic ticket for a minor motor vehicle violation, the eluding charge will be graded as a second degree crime and expose you to 5-10 years in prison. Even if the charge is downgraded to avoid a prison sentence as… read more →
When you are arrested or charged with a crime, you have a criminal record that will show up in background checks. Even if the charge is later dismissed, the record is still there. Presume that your employer will be able to see your background unless you have had your record cleared. In New Jersey, the process of ‘clearing’ your record is controlled by the expungement statute, and there are conditions as to when and if you… read more →
Probation is a an alternative sentence that avoids a prolonged incarceration. A probation sentence imposes conditions that you are required to keep, and violations of your probation have serious consequences. The conditions typically require you to report as ordered by your Probation Officer (PO); remain arrest (I did not say conviction) free; no alcohol use; random drug testing; community service, and other conditions the Judge thinks are applicable to your case. A first violation can result… read more →
If you were ever arrested and charged with a crime or an offense in New Jersey, you have a criminal record that can show up if your employer does a background check on you. Even if the charges were dismissed, you have a record, as the record is created at the time of the arrest. If the charges were dismissed without you having to complete any type of diversionary program (such as a conditional discharge… read more →