Events

At the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender (NJOPD), we are not only committed to providing legal representation to those who cannot afford it, but also to engaging directly with communities across the state. Our work extends beyond the courtroom.

Through a growing series of community events, we hope to bring our knowledge, services, and advocacy directly to the people who need it most. These events include:

Expungement Clinics – This free service connects eligible individuals with attorneys who can provide legal insight into their specific situations, helping them begin the process of clearing their criminal records.
Pardons and Clemency Workshops – At these workshops, attendees can learn more about how to apply for a pardon or clemency, gain deeper insights into what the process involves, and discuss their concerns with knowledgeable professionals.
Community Forums – These informative sessions covering legal rights, public defender services, and systemic justice issues that will help individuals become more informed advocates for themselves and their communities.

Our community events are designed to help New Jersey residents better understand their rights, access important legal resources, and take steps toward a better future. Whether you’re seeking help with your record or just want to learn more about your rights and the legal system, our team is here for you.

Interested in an expungement event in your neighborhood? Contact events@opd.nj.gov

Interested in determining your eligibility for an expungement? Consult our expungement pamphlet.

Upcoming Expungement Clinics

Upcoming October Events:

Expungement Clinic Flyer - Thursday, October 8, 2026
- Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Location: Old Bergen Church - 1 Highland Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306
- Register here

Expungement Clinic Flyer - Friday, October 9, 2026
- Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Location: First Presbyterian Church - 513 Birch Street, Boonton, NJ 07005
- Register here

Expungement Clinic Flyer - Wednesday, October 14, 2026
- Time: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Kennedy Center - 429 John F. Kennedy Way, Willingboro, NJ 08046
- Register here

Expungement Clinic Flyer - Wednesday, October 14, 2026
- Time: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Palmyra Community Center - 30 West Broad Street, Palmyra, NJ 08065
- Register here

Expungement Clinic Flyer - Tuesday, October 20, 2026
- Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Location: Paulsboro Volunteer Fire Association - 1602 Swedesboro Avenue, Paulsboro, NJ 08066
- Register here

Expungement Clinic Flyer - Wednesday, October 21, 2026
- Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Location: Garden State Equality - 308 Main Street, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
- Register here

Expungement Clinic Flyer (Más información en Español)- Wednesday, October 21, 2026
- Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Location: Elmwood United Presbyterian Church - 135 Elmwood Avenue, East Orange, NJ 07018
- Register here

Expungement Clinic Flyer - Thursday, October 22, 2026
- Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Location: Fred Erxleben Recreation Center - 513 Richmond Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202
- Register here

Expungement Clinic Flyer - Tuesday, October 27, 2026
- Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Location: The B.E.A.T. Center - 1769 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753
- Register here

Upcoming November Events:

Expungement Clinic Flyer - Thursday, November 12, 2026
- Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Location: Abundant Life Family Worship Church - 78 Neilson Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (Back Entrance)
- Register here

Friday, November 20, 2026
- Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Location: Mercer County Community College - James Kearney Campus, Kearney Hall, 102 North Broad Street, Trenton, NJ 08608
- Register here

Upcoming December Events:

Wednesday, December 2, 2026
- Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Location: Volunteers of America - 226 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608
- Register here

Expungement Clinic Flyer - Friday, December 4, 2026
- Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Location: Center City Mall - 301 Main Street, Paterson, NJ 07505 or 18 Smith Street, Paterson, NJ 07505
- Register here