Bill > A5969

This bill establishes a process for expunging (clearing) certain criminal convictions for individuals who were victims of abuse, provided that the abuse was a contributing factor to their conviction. This means that if someone committed an offense because they were subjected to significant physical, sexual, or psychological abuse, or were victims of domestic violence as defined by New Jersey law, they can petition the court to have that conviction removed from their record. The bill specifically excludes murder and certain sex offenses from this expungement process. It allows individuals to apply for expungement immediately after completing their sentence, paying fines, and finishing probation or parole, and the court will consider various forms of evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, and professional assessments, to determine if the abuse contributed to the offense and if expungement is in the interest of justice, while also ensuring the applicant was not the primary aggressor. This new expungement process will take effect on the first day of the tenth month following its enactment into law, with provisions for necessary administrative actions to be taken beforehand.

Justice, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5969