Seeking To Clear Your Criminal Record? Morris County To Hold First Free Expungement Clinic

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Individuals who are looking for a fresh start after being convicted of certain crimes can get attorneys' advice for free at the first expungement clinic in Morris County.

Morris County residents can talk to legal experts about having certain non-violent convictions erased from their criminal history, free of charge and without making an appointment. This can help remove obstacles they face in securing housing or getting a good job.

The free expungement clinic will be on Thursday, May 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 10 Martin Luther King Ave. in Morristown. Attorneys are volunteering their time to help people during the event.

An expungement is the removal, sealing, impounding or isolation of all criminal records kept on file. A court-ordered expungement can remove information about an eligible individual’s arrest, all court proceedings related to their case, a criminal or juvenile conviction (or convictions), and the outcome of their case, including the sentence.

“For individuals who have managed to turn their lives around after finding themselves involved with the criminal justice system, they can create a better future for themselves, their families, and our community by obtaining an expungement," said Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll. "We encourage anyone who may need this service to come to the clinic to learn more about the process.”

Those who would like to speak with an attorney about possible expungement are asked to bring any information about the case they are hoping to address; if they do not have this information, it can be found electronically at the clinic.

Lunch will be provided by the Morris County Bar Foundation, and people can also get more information on certain social services, as well, including:

• Free Narcan programs
• Substance use services
• Mental health services
• Social services benefits
• Re-entry services

The clinic is made possible through Morris County Bar Association, Morris County Bar Foundation, the county Prosecutor's Office, the county Public Defender's office, the county Sheriff's Office, and Calvary Baptist Church — the host of the event.

Officials thanked Calvary Baptist's pastor, Rev. Jerry M. Carter, Jr., for volunteering to host the event.