Having a criminal record in New Jersey can feel like a permanent barrier—even if you’ve served your sentence, completed probation, or had your charges dismissed. Background checks don’t care if the case is old or minor. To employers, landlords, licensing boards, or even volunteer organizations, it’s a red flag that can cost you opportunities.

At National Security Law Firm (NSLF), we understand that clearing your record isn’t just paperwork—it’s about restoring your future. And unlike other firms, we don’t stop once your expungement order is served. Our proprietary follow-up system ensures your record is erased from both government databases and private background check companies—where most expungements fail.

How Long Does Expungement Take in New Jersey?

Currently, it takes about one year to obtain an expungement order in New Jersey, though timelines vary by case. Processing backlogs at the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) often extend the process—but we do everything possible on our end to speed things up.

In fact, thanks to a new legal settlement in April 2025, you may be eligible for expedited NJSP processing—but only if it’s requested at the time of filing. NSLF offers a flat-fee expedited filing service for qualifying cases.

👉 Learn more about expedited expungements.

Generally, the following steps would occur when expunging your criminal record in New Jersey:

Step-by-Step: The Expungement Process in New Jersey

Step 1. Obtain Criminal Records

We begin by securing your criminal history, including Judgments of Conviction or Dispositions. If you have your records, we can start immediately. If not, we request them directly from the court, which can take days to weeks depending on the county.
👉 Instructions: How to Obtain a Copy of Your Criminal Record in New Jersey

Step 2. Draft, Notarize & File Your Petition

Once records are in hand, we draft your expungement petition. You review it and approve for filing. We then file it with the appropriate county court.

Step 3. Serve the Petition on Government Agencies

Once filed, your petition is served on the appropriate government agencies.

Step 4. Hearing (If Necessary)

In most cases, no court appearance is required. If the prosecutor objects, we respond with a legal brief to fight for your eligibility. An objection does not equal denial—it means we argue your case.

Step 5. Serve the Final Expungement Order

If the judge grants your expungement, the signed order is served on all relevant agencies: NJSP, FBI, courts, prosecutors, probation, and police. This step directs them to remove your record.

Where Other Firms Stop, We Keep Going

Even after serving the final order, errors are shockingly common. In fact, we’ve found that 25–30% of government agencies fail to properly remove expunged records. And private background check companies? They’re not notified at all.

That’s why NSLF created a proprietary follow-up system that goes far beyond the courthouse:

  • Government Database Verification – We confirm compliance with the state and local agencies.

  • FBI & NJSP Cross-Checks – We track processing delays and push for corrections.

  • Consumer Reporting Agency Notifications – Using our proprietary system, we notify leading private background check companies (like Checkr, TruthFinder, Sterling, and others) and demand removal.

  • Lifetime Backup Protection – If your record ever resurfaces online, we step back in and remove it at no cost to you. Other firms hand you a template letter and wish you luck. We fight for you.

👉 Read our full breakdown: Why Expunged Records Still Show Up—and How NSLF Fixes the Problem.

Why Clients Choose National Security Law Firm

Our all-inclusive expungement service includes:

  • Filing your expungement petition

  • Serving all required government agencies

  • Obtaining non-certified dispositions for your files

  • Verifying compliance from state and local agencies

  • Notifying private background check companies (proprietary system)

  • Free lifetime cleanup if your expunged record ever reappears

  • Service in every county across New Jersey

Affordable, Flat-Rate Pricing

We believe in transparent, accessible pricing.

  • $1,500 for your primary offense

  • +$200 for each additional offense

  • +$1,800 for early expungements or drug distribution cases

👉 See our full pricing guide.

Flexible Financing Options

Cost shouldn’t stand in the way of your second chance. We offer payment plans through Affirm:

  • Spread payments over 3, 6, 12, or 24 months

  • No impact on your credit score to check eligibility

👉 Learn more about our financing options.

Our Money-Back Guarantee

We back our work with a simple promise: if your expungement is denied for reasons outside your control, we refund your legal fee in full.

⚠️ This guarantee applies to our fee only, not the case outcome. If your petition is denied due to failure to disclose your complete criminal history, the guarantee does not apply.

Expungement Resource Hub

We’ve built the largest online library of New Jersey expungement resources:

👉 Visit our New Jersey Expungement Information Hub for step-by-step answers to every question.

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

Ready to Clear Your Record?

Every day you wait is another day your record holds you back. With flat pricing, financing, a refund guarantee, and lifetime record cleanup, there’s no safer way to start fresh.

👉 Book your free consultation today.

Hear From Our Clients

We are proud to be one of the highest-rated law firms in New Jersey.

👉 See our verified Google Reviews.

⚡ NSLF doesn’t just file expungements. We erase your record everywhere it matters.