Can criminal background records be sealed from the public?
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Can criminal background records be sealed from the public?
I have three 3rd degree felony convictions 1 is 33 years ago, 25 and 21 years
ago. For the past 17 years I have been a productive citizen and I’m a college
student earning a Bachelor’s Degree. I’m 61 years old with a family and I’am
still being denined employment due to my criminal history. Is there any advice
that you can give me.
Asked on October 26, 2018 under Criminal Law, New Jersey
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
No, there is nothing you can do. Criminal records can only be sealed if they are expunged; but in your state, only a single crime of 3rd degree (or more serious nature) can be expunged, so you could at best (assuming you and the crimes met the other criteria for expungement) only expunge or seal one of the three convictions. If you believe that one is much worse for hiring than the others and that eliminating even one would be beneficial, consult with a criminal defense attorney about possible expungment.
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