Official Site of The State of New Jersey

Everyone deserves a second chance—and that’s exactly what the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender (NJOPD) Expungement Unit is here to provide.

What Is an Expungement?

An expungement is the legal process of removing a criminal conviction from the state or federal record. Once your record is expunged, it’s erased from public view, giving you a clean slate when applying for jobs, housing, or school. Expungements can change lives by opening doors that were previously closed.

Who We Are

The NJOPD Expungement Unit was launched in 2024 by Public Defender Jennifer Sellitti and is led by Deputy Public Defender Stephen Hunter. The team works tirelessly to help individuals clear their records, go to court on their behalf, and connect with communities across the state. Through free expungement clinics, legal advocacy, and meaningful community engagement, the unit has helped fulfill Governor Murphy’s vision of a stronger and fairer New Jersey.

Since its creation, the Expungement Unit has processed more than 4,500 expungement applications, bringing hope and new opportunities to thousands of New Jerseyans.

Why Expungements Matters

Expungements aren’t just about clearing records—they’re about building better futures. Studies have shown that:

• People who get their records expunged often see big jumps in income. On average, people’s wages increase by 25% within two years. The most significant gain is for women, whose salaries increase by 30% within one year.
• Expungements help address racial inequality, with Black residents seeing a 25% income boost within one year of their records being expunged.
• Recidivism rates for people with expungements are lower than the general population, making our communities safer for everyone.

Recognition and Impact

The Expungement Unit received the 2025 Governor’s Award of Excellence, honoring its tremendous work with criminal justice reform in New Jersey. The team remains deeply committed to helping New Jerseyans leave their past behind and move forward with dignity and hope.