Record Sealing Lawyer Bergen County, NJ
You applied for a new job in Paramus, passed the interviews, and then the offer was revoked after a background check uncovered a disorderly persons conviction from five years ago. That old case at the Bergen County Municipal Court is still showing up. Under New Jersey law, you may be eligible to have that record sealed through an expungement petition. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel assist individuals in Bergen County seeking to clear their criminal records. Call (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
Strategy Options for Record Sealing in Bergen County
New Jersey’s expungement statute allows many past arrests and convictions to be removed from public view. For disorderly persons offenses—the equivalent of misdemeanors—a petition can be filed two years after completion of the sentence, including payment of fines. Indictable crimes (felonies) generally require a five-year waiting period. More serious offenses may be ineligible, but recent Clean Slate reforms have expanded eligibility significantly. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel review your entire record to determine which charges can be cleared and prepare the petition for filing in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen Vicinage, located at 10 Main Street, Hackensack. Successful completion of Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) results in a dismissal that can then be expunged, often without the full waiting period. An experienced attorney can also identify when conditional discharge or other diversion programs open a faster path to a clean record.
What to Expect During the Expungement Process
The process begins with obtaining certified copies of all relevant court and law enforcement records. The petition is filed in the Superior Court, Law Division, Criminal Part, in Bergen County. Notice is served on the prosecutor’s office, the arresting police department, the New Jersey State Police, and other agencies that hold records. The prosecutor may object—often on grounds of public interest or if the petitioner has a disqualifying offense. If no objection is raised, the court may grant the expungement without a hearing. When a hearing is required, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel advocate for the petition, presenting evidence of rehabilitation and eligibility. Once granted, the order of expungement directs all agencies to remove the records and treat the matter as if it never occurred. Because agencies can take several months to comply, follow-up is essential to ensure the record does not reappear on a background check—a step the firm handles on behalf of clients.
How Expungement Clears Your Path — A Closer Look
An expungement removes the arrest and conviction from most public databases, including those used by private employers. After expungement, you may legally deny the existence of the expunged record when applying for a job, housing, or a professional license—except in certain licensing contexts where the statute requires disclosure (such as applications to law enforcement agencies or positions involving the care of children). The record remains visible to the judiciary and a narrow set of government agencies for limited purposes. New Jersey’s Clean Slate law automatically seals many older offenses once the applicable waiting period has passed, but a petition-based expungement is often faster and more reliable. By removing a disqualifying record, an expungement can restore opportunities that were previously blocked. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to achieve the fullest expungement available under New Jersey law. Results may vary.
Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team — Attorney Credentials
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor with extensive experience in criminal defense matters. Admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, he has represented individuals in state and federal courts since 1997. His insight into how law enforcement and prosecutors build cases benefits clients seeking to clear their records. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Record Sealing in Bergen County
Can I get my NJ criminal record expunged?
Yes, many New Jersey criminal records can be expunged after statutory waiting periods. For disorderly persons offenses, a petition may be filed two years after the sentence is complete; for indictable crimes, the waiting period is generally five years. New Jersey’s Clean Slate law expanded eligibility and shortened waiting periods for some offenses. PTI completions result in a dismissal that can be expunged without the usual waiting period. Petitions are filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen Vicinage (10 Main Street, Hackensack). For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How does record sealing differ from an expungement?
In New Jersey, “expungement” is the legal mechanism that seals a criminal record, so the two terms are often used interchangeably. An expungement order directs law enforcement and court agencies to remove the record from public access and treat the matter as if it never occurred. Some other states use “record sealing” to denote a less thorough process, but New Jersey’s expungement statute provides a full removal from most public databases. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer to file for expungement in Bergen County?
You are not legally required to hire a lawyer, but an experienced attorney can identify eligible charges, avoid procedural mistakes that cause delays, and handle objections from the prosecutor. The petition must be served on multiple agencies and must comply with detailed statutory requirements. Errors can result in a denial and a waiting period before refiling. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
What offenses cannot be expunged in New Jersey?
Certain serious offenses are generally excluded from expungement, including homicide, kidnapping, aggravated sexual assault, and crimes requiring Megan’s Law registration. Motor vehicle offenses are not criminal records and are handled separately through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. An attorney can review your record to confirm which charges are eligible. Results may vary. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation.
How long does the expungement process take in Bergen County?
The timeline varies by case and court calendar, but the process generally takes several months to over a year. After the petition is filed, agencies have time to respond, and the court may schedule a hearing. Delays can occur if the prosecutor objects or if additional documentation is required. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to move the case as efficiently as possible. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
For a comprehensive statutory analysis of New Jersey expungement law, visit the firm’s criminal defense overview.
Call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. By appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey location: 44 Apple St, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
(609) 983-0003 | (888) 437-7747
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris. Results may vary.