In New Jersey, an expungement (also called an expunction or misspelled as “espongement”) is a court-ordered procedure through which the legal record of an arrest or conviction is sealed or erased from an individual’s criminal record for most purposes.

According to the definition of expungement as set forth in the New Jersey expungement statutes, expunged records will include all “complaints, warrants, arrests, commitments, processing records, fingerprints, photographs, index cards, “rap sheets” and judicial docket records.”  Once a record is expunged, N.J.S.A. 2C:52-1, entitled “Definition of Expungement” provides that the records shall be “extract[ed] and isolat[ed].”

Thus, the definition of expungement itself makes clear that the records will not be completely destroyed or erased.  Rather, they will be segregated and made not generally available to the public.  Thus, once a record is ordered to be expunged, all agencies that have a copy of your records (including the courts, law enforcement agencies, detention or correctional facilities, or criminal justice agencies) will be required to move your expunged records to a separate location.

Once your criminal records are segregated in this manner, they are no longer publicly available.  Thus, any individuals running a criminal background check on you will not be able to see your records.  This means that landlords, acquaintances, creditors, or employers conducting background checks will not be able to see the expunged records and, instead, will be advised that no records exists in response to their search.

Every Day You Wait, You Lose Opportunities

That promotion you didn’t get? The apartment application that was denied? The licensing board that turned you away?

All of it traces back to your record. And here’s the truth: every single day you wait to start your expungement is another day you’re blocked from opportunities you deserve.

Why Expungements Often Fail

Most lawyers file your petition, serve the order, and stop there. But:

  • 25–30% of NJ agencies fail to update their databases.

  • Private background check companies like TruthFinder, Checkr, and Sterling never get notified.

  • That means your “expunged” record still shows up when it matters most.

Why NSLF Is the Safer Choice

At National Security Law Firm, led by Karen Howell, Esq., we built a system that ensures your expungement is done right — and done completely:

  • Government Verification — We confirm NJSP, FBI, courts, and police actually remove your record.

  • Private Database Notifications — Our proprietary system clears your record from major reporting companies.

  • Lifetime Record Protection — If it resurfaces years later, we remove it — free.

  • Refund Guarantee — If denied for reasons outside your control, we refund your legal fee.

👉 Read how we fix what other firms ignore.

Faster Results Are Available — If You Act Now

Expungements in NJ usually take a year. But as of April 2025, you can request expedited NJSP processing — if your petition is filed correctly from the start.

👉 See how expedited expungement works.

Flat, Transparent Pricing

  • $1,500 for your primary offense

  • +$200 for each additional offense

  • +$1,800 (in addition to the standard fee) for early expungements or drug distribution cases

  • +$2,500 (in addition to the standard fee) for expedited filings

👉 View our complete pricing guide.

Payment Plans = No Excuses

Through Affirm financing, you can start today:

  • 3, 6, 12, or 24-month payment plans

  • No impact on your credit score to check eligibility

  • Example: $1,500 expungement = just $65/month

👉 Explore payment options.

Our Refund Guarantee

If your expungement is denied for reasons outside your control, we refund your fee in full. ⚠️ Denials caused by nondisclosure of your criminal history are not covered.

Why Clients Choose NSLF

  • More expungements than any other firm in NJ

  • Proprietary system for government + private database cleanup

  • Lifetime record removal guarantee

  • Flat-rate pricing and financing

  • Refund guarantee = risk-free

  • Every case handled personally by Karen Howell, Esq.

👉 Visit our Expungement Resource Hub for guides, FAQs, and step-by-step answers.

We’re Trusted With More Expungements in New Jersey Than Any Other Law Firm.

Don’t Wait Until It Costs You Again

The longer you wait, the longer your record keeps costing you jobs, housing, and peace of mind. Six months from now, you could be free of it — but only if you start today.

👉 Book your free consultation now.

✔ Quick.
✔ Easy.
✔ Risk-Free.

Proof From Real Clients

We’re one of the highest-rated expungement law firms in New Jersey.

👉 Read our 5-star Google Reviews.

⚡ At NSLF, we don’t just file expungements. We erase your record everywhere it matters — for life.