The New Jersey Office of the Public Defender (NJOPD) has reached a settlement agreement with the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) to address delays in processing judicial expungement orders. This resolution follows litigation concerning alleged violations of New Jerseyans' rights to timely expungement of criminal records.
The agreement, developed in collaboration with the Office of the Attorney General and NJSP, aims to streamline and expedite the processing of expungement orders. It builds on previous consent orders from April and August 2024 that sought to reduce the backlog of unprocessed cases. The ultimate goal is to help individuals reintegrate into society by removing obstacles posed by past records.
"This agreement marks a pivotal step forward in our continued efforts to eliminate the backlog of unprocessed expungement orders across New Jersey," stated Public Defender Jennifer Sellitti. She expressed gratitude for the cooperation received from various parties, including Honorable Jaynee LaVecchia, whose mediation was crucial.
Under this agreement, NJSP commits to processing all expungement orders within 120 days of receipt, aiming for completion within 90 days when possible. If additional information is required, NJSP will notify applicants or their representatives promptly.
A new online portal will allow petitioners to track their expungement status, enhancing transparency. Furthermore, NJSP will publish monthly reports on processing statistics over an 18-month period to ensure accountability.
Deputy Public Defender Michael Noveck highlighted the significance of this settlement for those affected by prolonged delays: "This settlement ensures that those plaintiffs and other successful expungement petitioners now have the opportunity to fully rebuild their lives."
The settlement also provides for ongoing monitoring and auditing of NJSP's processes, with full resolution expected by September 2026 contingent on compliance with its terms.
This development aligns with broader legal reforms in New Jersey aimed at expanding opportunities for individuals seeking expungements under Governor Phil Murphy’s Second Chance Agenda.
