Amending New Jersey’s Expungement Law to Reflect the Historical Treatment of Juveniles: Juveniles Deserve a Second Chance
Jair D. Bodnar
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Summary

New Jersey law denies the expungement of records for juvenile crimes. Sealing records is limited. Juveniles deserve a chance to move on in life without a criminal record following them after they have demonstrated rehabilitation.

2024

Amending New Jersey’s Expungement Law to Reflect the Historical Treatment of Juveniles: Juveniles Deserve a Second Chance

Keywords juvenile record; rehabilitation; collateral consequences; discretionary juvenile record expunction

New Jersey's Juvenile Expungement Restrictions

Current New Jersey law presents significant barriers to expungement for juvenile offenses, limiting the availability of sealing options. This legal framework effectively prevents many juveniles from leaving their pasts behind, despite demonstrable rehabilitation. The disparity between the state's stated commitment to restorative justice and the practical limitations imposed on juvenile record clearing warrants further examination. This restrictive policy arguably undermines the potential for successful reintegration into society for young people who have demonstrated a commitment to reform.

Juvenile Record Expungement in New Jersey

New Jersey's current legal framework regarding juvenile records presents challenges to young adults seeking to leave their past behind. While the state allows for the sealing of some juvenile records, the complete expungement of these records remains unavailable. This limitation creates significant obstacles for individuals who have demonstrated rehabilitation and are striving to reintegrate into society. The lack of expungement options hinders opportunities for employment, education, and overall personal growth, effectively perpetuating the negative consequences of past juvenile offenses long after they are deemed to be in the past. Reform is needed to provide these young adults with a more equitable opportunity to move forward, free from the limitations imposed by a permanent criminal record.

New Jersey Juvenile Records

New Jersey's laws make it difficult to clear juvenile criminal records. While some records can be sealed, complete expungement isn't allowed. This means a juvenile's past mistakes can follow them into adulthood, even if they've shown they've changed and deserve a second chance. The current system needs reform to provide more opportunities for rehabilitation and a fresh start.

Summary

In New Jersey, kids can't always get rid of their past mistakes from their records. It's hard to erase those records, even if they've changed and done better. Kids deserve a fresh start, a chance to not be followed by old problems.

Footnotes and Citation

Cite

Bodnar, J. D. (2024). Amending New Jersey’s expungement law to reflect the historical treatment of juveniles: Juveniles deserve a second chance. Seton Hall Law.

Highlights