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Bill > A3521

NJ A3521

NJ A3521
Provides expungement process for certain defendants who are victims of abuse if conviction is substantially related to abuse.

summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
01/13/2026
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
01/13/2026

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill provides an expungement process for certain defendants, who are victims of domestic violence or substantial abuse, if the conviction to be expunged is substantially related to the domestic violence or abuse. Specifically, the bill provides that a person convicted of an offense or other violation of law, except for murder or a crime for which the defendant would be required to register as a sex offender under Megan's Law, may file an application with the Superior Court to have each conviction, finding of guilt, or, in the case of an offense committed while a juvenile, adjudication of delinquency expunged if: (1) the person was a victim of domestic violence, or was otherwise subjected to substantial physical, sexual, or psychological abuse; and (2) the domestic violence or abuse was a contributing factor to the person's conviction. An eligible person may apply for expungement immediately following the person's most recent conviction, payment of any court-ordered financial assessment, satisfactory completion of probation or parole, or release from incarceration, whichever is later. The application is required to be made to the Superior Court in the county in which the person resides or a county in which one or more of the person's convictions were adjudged at any time. The application may include any other prior criminal disposition which the person is seeking to expunge, regardless of where that prior disposition occurred. In determining whether to order expungement, the court is required to consider all relevant circumstances and take judicial notice of any evidence, testimony, or information presented at the trial, plea hearing, or other court proceedings. If enacted by the Legislature, the effective date of this bill is contingent on the effective date of Assembly Bill No. A5968 of 2024-2025.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a process for individuals convicted of crimes, excluding murder and offenses requiring sex offender registration, to have their convictions expunged if they were victims of domestic violence or substantial abuse, and this abuse was a contributing factor to their conviction. An expungement, which is the legal process of clearing a criminal record, can be sought from the Superior Court once the individual has completed any probation or parole, paid fines, and been released from incarceration, whichever is latest. The court will consider various forms of evidence, including court records, social services records, and statements from professionals who assisted the victim, to determine if the abuse was a contributing factor to the conviction before granting the expungement, which will have the same legal effect as other expungements. The bill's effective date is dependent on the enactment of another pending bill, Assembly Bill No. A5968 of 2024-2025.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (5)

Last Action

Withdrawn Because Approved P.L.2025, c.329. (on 01/13/2026)
(2 Companion Bills)

bill text

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A3521
BillText https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A4000/3521_I1.HTM
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