Clear Your DNA Record and Reclaim Your Privacy

If your DNA was collected by law enforcement in New Jersey—either due to an arrest, conviction, or adjudication—you may have the right to have it permanently expunged from the State DNA Database and DNA Databank.

At National Security Law Firm, we help individuals clear their DNA records quickly, affordably, and without unnecessary stress. If your charges were dismissed, your conviction reversed, or you were acquitted at trial, you may qualify for expungement under N.J.S.A. § 53:1-20.25.

🔍 When Can You Expunge Your DNA from New Jersey’s State Records?

Under New Jersey law, you are eligible to file a motion to expunge your DNA record if:

1. Your conviction or adjudication was reversed and dismissed.

  • Applies to both adults and juveniles.

  • Requires a certified copy of the court order showing reversal and dismissal.

2. All charges from the arrest were dismissed or ended in acquittal.

  • Applies even if no conviction occurred.

  • Includes dismissals before trial or not guilty verdicts.

3. You were found not guilty by reason of insanity, and the judgment was reversed and dismissed, or your charges were ultimately dismissed or acquitted.

Statutory Authority: N.J.S.A. § 53:1-20.25 – This law provides the legal framework for purging DNA profiles and samples from the state’s database if they were tied to overturned or dismissed matters.

🧾 Step-by-Step: How the DNA Expungement Process Works

Step 1: Obtain Certified Court Orders

We’ll help you secure a certified copy of the order showing the dismissal, acquittal, or reversal that qualifies you.

Step 2: Prepare the Motion

Our attorneys draft and file the DNA expungement motion in the appropriate New Jersey court, attaching the required documentation.

Step 3: Serve the Prosecutor

We notify the county prosecutor’s office with at least 20 days’ notice, as required by statute.

Step 4: Hearing (If Needed)

Most DNA expungements are granted on the papers (without a hearing). If a hearing is required, we will appear on your behalf and present your case.

Step 5: Order Issued and Sent to State Police

Once the court grants the expungement, it orders the New Jersey State Police to:

  • Delete your DNA profile from the State DNA Database

  • Destroy your stored DNA sample from the State DNA Databank

🧑‍⚖️ What Does the Law Say?

Under N.J.S.A. § 53:1-20.25(b):

53:1-20.25 Expungement of records from State records; conditions.

9. a. (1) (i) Any person whose DNA record or profile has been included in the State DNA database and whose DNA sample is stored in the State DNA databank may apply for expungement on the grounds that the conviction that resulted in the inclusion of the person’s DNA record or profile in the State database or the inclusion of the person’s DNA sample in the State databank has been reversed and the case dismissed. The person, either individually or through an attorney, may apply to the court for expungement of the record. A copy of the application for expungement shall be served on the prosecutor for the county in which the conviction was obtained not less than 20 days prior to the date of the hearing on the application. A certified copy of the order reversing and dismissing the conviction shall be attached to an order expunging the DNA record or profile insofar as its inclusion rests upon that conviction.

(ii) Any person whose DNA record or profile has been included in the State DNA database and whose DNA sample is stored in the State DNA databank may apply for expungement on the grounds that all charges resulting from the arrest that provided the basis for inclusion of the person’s DNA record or profile in the State database or the inclusion of the person’s DNA sample in the State databank have been dismissed or have been resolved through an acquittal at trial. The person, either individually or through an attorney, may apply to the court for expungement of the record. A copy of the application for expungement shall be served on the prosecutor for the county in which the charge was brought not less than 20 days prior to the date of the hearing on the application. A certified copy of the order of dismissal shall be attached to an order expunging the DNA record or profile insofar as its inclusion rests upon the arrest which resulted in those charges.

(2) (i) Any juvenile adjudicated delinquent whose DNA record or profile has been included in the State DNA database and whose DNA sample is stored in the State DNA databank may apply for expungement on the grounds that the adjudication that resulted in the inclusion of the juvenile’s DNA record or profile in the State database or the inclusion of the juvenile’s DNA sample in the State databank has been reversed and the case dismissed. The juvenile adjudicated delinquent, either individually or through an attorney, may apply to the court for expungement of the record. A copy of the application for expungement shall be served on the prosecutor for the county in which the conviction was obtained not less than 20 days prior to the date of the hearing on the application. A certified copy of the order reversing and dismissing the adjudication shall be attached to an order expunging the DNA record or profile insofar as its inclusion rests upon that conviction.

(ii) Any juvenile whose DNA record or profile has been included in the State DNA database and whose DNA sample is stored in the State DNA databank may apply for expungement on the grounds that all charges resulting from the arrest that provided the basis for inclusion of the juvenile’s DNA record or profile in the State database or the inclusion of the juvenile’s DNA sample in the State databank have been dismissed or have resulted in an acquittal at trial. The juvenile, either individually or through an attorney, may apply to the court for expungement of the record. A copy of the application for expungement shall be served on the prosecutor for the county in which the charge was brought not less than 20 days prior to the date of the hearing on the application. A certified copy of the order of dismissal shall be attached to an order expunging the DNA record or profile insofar as its inclusion rests upon the arrest which resulted in those charges.

(3) (i) Any person found not guilty by reason of insanity, or adjudicated not delinquent by reason of insanity, whose DNA record or profile has been included in the State DNA database and whose DNA sample is stored in the State DNA databank may apply for expungement on the grounds that the judgment that resulted in the inclusion of the person’s DNA record or profile in the State database or the inclusion of the person’s DNA sample in the State databank has been reversed and the case dismissed. The person, either individually or through an attorney, may apply to the court for expungement of the record. A copy of the application of expungement shall be served on the prosecutor for the county in which the judgment was obtained not less than 20 days prior to the date of the hearing on the application. A certified copy of the order reversing and dismissing the judgment shall be attached to an order expunging the DNA record or profile insofar as its inclusion rests upon that conviction.

(ii) Any person found not guilty by reason of insanity, or adjudicated not delinquent by reason of insanity, whose DNA record or profile has been included in the State DNA database and whose DNA sample is stored in the State DNA databank may apply for expungement on the grounds that all charges resulting from the arrest that provided the basis for inclusion of the person’s DNA record or profile in the State database or the inclusion of the person’s DNA sample in the State databank have been dismissed or have been resolved through an acquittal at trial. The person, either individually or through an attorney, may apply to the court for expungement of the record. A copy of the application for expungement shall be served on the prosecutor for the county in which the charge was brought not less than 20 days prior to the date of the hearing on the application. A certified copy of the order of dismissal shall be attached to an order expunging the DNA record or profile insofar as its inclusion rests upon the arrest which resulted in those charges.

b. Upon receipt of an order of expungement and unless otherwise provided, the division shall purge the DNA record and all other identifiable information from the State database and the DNA sample stored in the State databank covered by the order. If the entry in the database reflects more than one conviction or adjudication, that entry shall not be expunged unless and until the person or the juvenile adjudicated delinquent has obtained an order of expungement for each conviction or adjudication on the grounds contained in subsection a. of this section. If one of the bases for inclusion in the DNA database was other than conviction or adjudication, that entry shall not be subject to expungement.

L.1994, c.136, s.9; amended 1997, c.341, s.5; 2011, c.104, s.4.

📚 Case Law Insight

In A.A. ex rel. B.A. v. Attorney General of New Jersey, 189 N.J. 128 (2007), the New Jersey Supreme Court affirmed the statutory basis for DNA expungement and emphasized the constitutional protections at stake when DNA is retained without justification. Courts must ensure expungements are granted when eligibility is clear and statutory procedures are followed.

💵 Our Flat Fee Pricing

We believe in clear, affordable pricing with no surprises:

  • Flat Fee: $2,000 (covers the full process, including preparation, filing, and coordination with the court and state police)

  • Optional Hearing Fee: +$1,500 (only if the court requires a hearing, which is rare)

✅ No hidden fees
✅ No hourly billing
✅ Financing available through Affirm – pay over 3 to 24 months

🧬 DNA Expungement in New Jersey – Frequently Asked Questions

Does expunging my criminal record in New Jersey automatically remove my DNA from the State DNA Database?

No. Expunging your criminal charges under New Jersey’s criminal record expungement statutes does not automatically result in the removal of your DNA profile from the State DNA Database or the destruction of your DNA sample.

DNA expungement is a separate legal process governed by a different statute:
N.J.S.A. § 53:1-20.25.

If your DNA was collected due to an arrest, conviction, adjudication, or finding of not guilty by reason of insanity—and your charges were later dismissed, reversed, or resulted in an acquittal—you must file a standalone motion with the court to have your DNA record expunged.

What’s the difference between a criminal record expungement and a DNA expungement?

Criminal Record Expungement DNA Expungement
Removes court and arrest records from public databases Removes your DNA profile from the State DNA Database
Filed under N.J.S.A. 2C:52-1 et seq. Filed under N.J.S.A. 53:1-20.25
Can include multiple charges and events in one petition Must correspond to a specific arrest or adjudication
May require a hearing Usually decided on the papers

While both are critical for clearing your record and protecting your privacy, they must be filed separately and follow different procedures.

What if I already had my charges dismissed—why is my DNA still on file?

Even if your charges were dismissed or you were found not guilty, law enforcement may still retain your DNA unless you take the legal step of filing a motion to have it removed. The law does not automatically trigger DNA removal upon dismissal or acquittal—you must request it through the courts.

How long does the DNA expungement process take?

Most DNA expungement motions are resolved within 6–8 weeks, depending on the court’s calendar and the responsiveness of the prosecutor. Because most motions are granted on the papers, the timeline is often faster than standard criminal expungements.

Do I need a lawyer to file a DNA expungement motion?

Technically, you can file the motion on your own, but we strongly recommend hiring an attorney. The motion must include:

  • A certified copy of the relevant dismissal or reversal order

  • Proof of service to the county prosecutor

  • A properly drafted application that complies with New Jersey court requirements

At National Security Law Firm, we’ve handled hundreds of expungement matters and ensure everything is filed correctly, increasing your chances of fast, successful removal.

How much does it cost to expunge DNA records in New Jersey?

We offer flat, transparent pricing:

  • $2,000 Flat Fee – Includes full preparation, filing, and follow-up

  • $1,500 Additional – Only if the court requires a hearing (most do not)

  • Payment Plans Available – Through Affirm

Can I bundle my DNA expungement with my criminal record expungement?

Yes! While they must be filed separately, we offer discounted pricing for clients who need both. During your consultation, let us know your full legal history and we’ll create a tailored, all-in-one solution to clear your name across all systems.

⚖️ Why Choose National Security Law Firm?

🔹 We’ve done this before. Our attorneys handle all types of record-clearing matters in New Jersey, from expungements to name changes and more.
🔹 We know the process. We understand the procedural rules and statutory deadlines to ensure smooth, timely filings.
🔹 We respect your privacy. We treat all DNA expungement matters with discretion and sensitivity.
🔹 You get results—or you don’t pay for them. We stand behind our work and guide you at every step.

✅ Ready to Clear Your DNA Record?

Getting your DNA removed from the State of New Jersey’s criminal database is possible—and National Security Law Firm is here to make it fast, affordable, and stress-free.

📅 Schedule a Free Consultation Now