There was a time when very few criminal convictions could be expunged. A criminal conviction was like a scarlet letter which followed you for the rest of your life. It made it difficult or next to impossible to find a job or apartment for many people.

Over the last 10 years, the legislature and has focused on expanding the types of crimes that can be expunged to give people a second chance. There are many good people that made a mistake decades ago that can now get their record cleared.

The law now allows cases that are no longer crimes, such as possession of marijuana, to be expunged. After a waiting period, convictions for burglary, second degree assault, possession with an intent to distribute, possession of CDS, theft, violation of a Peace Order, failure to pay the fare on a bus or train, and many others can be expunged. You can get a probation before judgment expunged in most cases (with the notable exception of DUI's). Even civil citations can be expunged.  If you were acquitted or the charges were dropped or a stet was entered, you should still get your record expunged.

You must qualify for expungement and there are certain criteria must be met. Contact an attorney if you have questions.