If your criminal records were expunged in New Jersey and you either lost or misplaced them, you may be wondering how to request a copy of your expunged records.

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:52-19, New Jersey courts are unable to release expunged records to anyone — even the petitioner — absent a court order.  Moreover, N.J.S.A.2:52-19 requires the person requesting expunged records to demonstrate “good cause” and a “compelling need” for the records.  They also need to specify the person who the records are to be released to and the reason for their release.  Thus, obtaining a copy of records that have been expunged requires more than a simple phone call to the court.

How to Request a Copy of Your Expunged Records in New Jersey

Perhaps the easiest way to obtain proof of your expungement is to contact the attorney that represented you during your expungement.  Most attorneys in New Jersey keep case files for at least 7 years, and some will retain them even longer.  If you were not represented by an attorney or if your attorney no longer has your records, however, then you will need to request them directly from the court.

To request a copy of your expunged records from the court — whether your Expungement Petition, the Expungement Order, or any other records — you will need to complete a form entitled Defendants Requesting Copies of Their Own Expungement Records.  As can be seen, this form requires you to provide your basic information (name, address, date of birth, and social security number) as well as information relating to the expunged offense (indictment, accusation, and/or complaint number, if known).

Once you have completed this form, you will need to appear in person at the Superior Court, Criminal Division, in the county in which your expungement was granted.  Be sure to bring at least one form of government-issued photo identification with you.  If you do not have the appropriate identification, the court staff will not release the record to you.  A small copying fee may apply.

The court staff will then review your request and will then ask a Superior Court Judge to sign an order authorizing the release of the expunged records.  Your expunged records will not be released without a court order authorizing the release.

Why Expungement Matters

A criminal record doesn’t just stay in the past — it shows up in job applications, housing searches, loan approvals, and even volunteer opportunities. Even if your charges were dismissed or years old, they can still appear on background checks unless properly expunged.

But here’s the hidden problem: many expungements don’t actually work the way clients expect.

Our audits reveal that 25–30% of New Jersey agencies fail to update their databases, and private background check companies never get notified automatically. That’s why so many clients come to us saying:

“I thought my record was gone, but it’s still showing up.”

How NSLF Makes Expungements Work

At National Security Law Firm, led by Karen Howell, Esq., we make sure your expungement truly clears your record everywhere it matters:

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

  • Private Background Check Notifications — Our proprietary system notifies companies like TruthFinder, Checkr, and Sterling.

  • Lifetime Record Protection — If your record resurfaces in the future, we step in and remove it free of charge.

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

👉 Read why records still show up — and how we fix them.

Expedited Expungements

Normally, expungements in NJ take close to a year. But since April 2025, clients can request expedited NJSP processing if filed correctly. This option gives you the fastest legal path to a clean record.

👉 Learn how expedited expungements work.

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

👉 See our complete pricing guide.

Affordable Payment Plans

Through Affirm financing, you can:

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

  • Check eligibility without affecting your credit score

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

👉 View financing options.

Our Refund Guarantee

If your expungement is denied for reasons outside your control, we refund your fee. ⚠️ Guarantee excludes denials caused by nondisclosure of your full criminal history.

Why Clients Choose NSLF

  • More expungements than any other firm in New Jersey

  • Proprietary process to fix government and private database errors

  • Lifetime record removal support

  • Flat pricing + payment plans

  • Refund guarantee = risk-free

  • Every case handled personally by Karen Howell, Esq.

👉 Visit our Expungement Resource Hub for FAQs, guides, and eligibility charts.

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

Take Control of Your Future Today

Your criminal record doesn’t have to hold you back another day. The sooner you act, the sooner your background checks come back clean.

👉 Book your free consultation now.

✔ Quick.
✔ Easy.
✔ Risk-Free.

Hear From Our Clients

We’re proud to be one of the most highly rated expungement firms in New Jersey.

👉 Read our verified 5-star Google Reviews.

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