New Jersey Reaches Settlement to Expedite Expungement Processing

Agreement ensures timely clearing of records for individuals granted second chances

TRENTON, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, the New Jersey State Police (NJSP), and the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) have announced a settlement agreement aimed at addressing delays in processing judicial expungement orders for certain low-level offenses. The agreement is designed to ensure that individuals who have been granted expungements gain timely access to their legal rights, including improved employment opportunities, housing options, and reintegration into society.

This resolution follows ongoing class action litigation and was reached after successful mediation led by retired New Jersey Supreme Court Associate Justice Jaynee LaVecchia. The terms of the agreement will be formalized in a final consent order expected within 30 days.

“As we continue to advance our Second Chances agenda, it’s crucial that our expungement process is swift and efficient,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “In the coming months, we intend to take further action on our clemency and expungement initiatives. Today’s agreement establishes a solid system to facilitate and streamline these efforts.”

Key Commitments Under the Settlement

• Clearing the Expungement Backlog: By June 1, 2025, NJSP will remove from its computerized criminal history system all expunged records covered by court orders that have been pending for more than 120 days.
• New Processing Timeframes: After June 1, 2025, NJSP will adhere to strict deadlines for handling new expungement orders:
  • The majority of orders will be processed within 120 days of receipt, with best efforts to complete them within 90 days.
  • Orders requiring additional information or amendments will be flagged within 120 days, and once corrections are received, processing will be completed within 15 days.
• Transparency and Compliance Oversight:
  • Regular compliance reports will be provided to Justice LaVecchia and OPD for 18 months, with many reports made publicly available.
  • After this period, the case will be dismissed with prejudice, assuming NJSP demonstrates compliance.

New Online Expungement Status Portal Launched

As part of the initiative to improve accessibility, NJSP has launched an online portal at expungement.njsp.gov, where individuals can track the status of their expungement orders. By registering for an account via myNewJersey, users will receive real-time updates and email alerts on their case progress.

“I’m grateful to everyone who worked to resolve this issue for the sake of those whose lives have been in limbo while waiting for their expungement orders to be processed,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Everyone deserves a second chance, and I am committed to making sure that the timelines set out in this agreement are followed and that we continue to work together to make expungement processing as efficient as possible. I want to thank the Office of the Public Defender and the New Jersey State Police for their contributions to this settlement.”

The agreement reflects significant advancements in expungement processing over the past year, largely due to:

• New automated bulk expungement tools that enhance processing speed.
• Streamlined protocols developed through negotiations with OPD.

The settlement represents a major step forward in ensuring that expungement orders are carried out efficiently, preventing undue delays for those who have been granted legal relief. By eliminating backlogs, establishing clear processing guidelines, and improving transparency, the state aims to remove barriers that have historically hindered individuals from moving forward with their lives.

Individuals seeking more information or checking their expungement status can visit expungement.njsp.gov.