Clear Your Criminal Record: Expungement Clinic In East Orange

EAST ORANGE, NJ — A free expungement clinic will take place in East Orange for people who want to clear their records of minor crimes – and “restore hope,” three state lawmakers from the area say.

The expungement clinic will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7 at East Orange City Hall (council chambers), 44 City Hall Plaza. It will be open to the public.

Visitors will be able to have a free consultation with legal experts, who can help to determine if they are eligible for an expungement, and lend a hand filing the paperwork if so. Guests should bring any relevant documents to the clinic, including court records and identification.

>> For more information or to register for the clinic, contact Jordan Stewart at jstewart@njleg.org

Assemblyman Mike Venezia is one of the lawmakers from the state’s 34th District who are supporting the clinic. According to his office, expungement can remove certain criminal records from public view, providing a critical pathway to new opportunities in employment, housing and education.

“This clinic is about second chances, equity and restoring hope,” Venezia said.

Assemblywoman Carmen Theresa Morales said the usual cost of expunging a record can be overwhelming, and a free clinic like this can be a big help.

“Providing a fresh start for those looking to turn the page is truly the best holiday gift,” Morales said.

Sen. Britnee Timberlake said that providing opportunities for second chances is something that’s “at the heart of building a just and equitable society.”

“Our expungement clinic this week is about more than clearing records, it’s about removing barriers that prevent people from thriving,” Timberlake said. “I’m proud to stand with our community to support pathways to empowerment and opportunity.”

The clinic is being held with legal support from Blaze Law Firm and financial sponsorship from Rise Dispensary, The Public Garden, Blue Oak Dispensary and Emerald Tea.

WHAT IS EXPUNGEMENT?

According to state authorities, court-ordered expungements can remove the following information from a person’s record:

• your arrest
• all court proceedings related to your case
• your criminal or juvenile conviction
• the outcome of your case, including your sentence

“In most cases, you must wait five years after your sentence is served,” the New Jersey Courts advises. “All fines and fees must be paid. Sometimes, you can file for expungement after four years. You can expunge no more than one indictable conviction and up to three disorderly persons offenses or petty disorderly persons offenses.”

Legal Services of New Jersey notes that some criminal convictions can’t be expunged in New Jersey. The list includes murder, sexual offenses, robbery, arson, terrorism and other serious crimes.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.