Expungement of an Old Shoplifting Charge

**lkampe** · 05-12-2005, 07:59 PM

In October of 2000. I pleaded guilty to a shoplifing charge under the advice of my lawyer. I thought that after 5 years with no other convictions it was taken off my record. Sad to say I have found out that that charge will stay with me forever unless I get it expunged. Am I eligible to get this done at this time.

**aaron** · 05-12-2005, 08:19 PM

New Jersey's expungement law provides in part:

Quoting NJS 2C:52-2(a)

In all cases, except as herein provided, wherein a person has been convicted of a crime under the laws of this State and who has not been convicted of any prior or subsequent crime, whether within this State or any other jurisdiction, and has not been adjudged a disorderly person or petty disorderly person on more than two occasions may, after the expiration of a period of 10 years from the date of his conviction, payment of fine, satisfactory completion of probation or parole, or release from incarceration, whichever is later, present a duly verified petition as provided in section 2C:52-7 to the Superior Court in the county in which the conviction was entered praying that such conviction and all records and information pertaining thereto be expunged.

So it appears you have a ten-year waiting period. You may wish to consult a local lawyer to see if there may be an exception.

**thunder7** · 03-14-2007, 09:02 AM

Hi, I have exactly the same thing - caught shoplifting in August 2000, lawyer said that I will listen to a course, and if I do not do anything wrong within the next 6 months, the record will be sealed.
I now work in a NASD member organization and would like to take NASD series 7. Will they find out that I have a record if I apply for the testing?
Is there any way to expunge it in NY? I am in Manhattan...