Bill > S4871

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 law, they can petition the court to have that conviction removed from their record. The bill specifically excludes murder and crimes requiring registration as a sex offender from this expungement process. The court will consider various forms of evidence, such as court records, social services records, and sworn statements from professionals or witnesses, to determine if the abuse was a contributing factor and if expungement is in the interest of justice, ensuring the individual was not the primary aggressor. This new expungement process will have the same legal effect as existing expungement laws and will take effect on the first day of the tenth month following its enactment into law, with provisions for necessary preparatory actions by state agencies.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4871