Free Expungement Help in New Jersey
Last reviewed: May 27, 2026
New Jersey is one of the most accessible states for expungement because the filing fee is zero — literally $0. You pay nothing to file the petition. The process still takes 3 to 6 months, and you'll need to serve multiple agencies, but the cost barrier is completely removed. The only expense is an attorney if you want one — and many NJ expungements are realistic DIY filings. Legal Services of NJ has an excellent self-help guide online.
✅ Clean Slate / Automatic Sealing
Yes — Clean Slate (10-year) expungement is petition-based but filing fees were eliminated in 2018. All NJ expungements are $0 to file.
How to get a fee waiver in New Jersey
Not needed — New Jersey eliminated expungement filing fees statewide in 2018. There is no cost to file an expungement petition in New Jersey.
Fee waivers (also called Affidavit of Indigency or In Forma Pauperis petition) are typically available if your household income is at or below 125–200% of the federal poverty level, or if you currently receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, TANF, or veterans benefits based on need.
Verified free legal aid organizations in New Jersey
Every organization below is a verified non-profit or government-affiliated legal aid program. None are paid services. Always confirm your eligibility directly with the organization.
Free expungement help by city in New Jersey
Free expungement resources vary significantly by metro area. Here's what's available in the largest cities, including clinic schedules and local contacts.
Newark / Essex County / Northern NJ
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice runs a dedicated expungement project covering Essex, Hudson, Union, and Passaic counties. They hold monthly clinics and can process petitions at no cost for qualifying applicants.
Camden / South Jersey
Camden County Legal Aid handles expungement through their civil legal program. Rutgers Law in Camden runs a supervised clinic that handles expungements — contact their clinical programs office for upcoming intake dates.
New Jersey free expungement — frequently asked questions
Is NJ expungement really free to file?
Yes — New Jersey eliminated expungement filing fees in 2018. There is no court cost to file the petition. You may still need to pay for certified copies of your criminal history (~$5-15) and for service on the required agencies. Attorney fees are separate if you hire one.
What is NJ Clean Slate and how long do I have to wait?
New Jersey's Clean Slate expungement allows you to petition to expunge your entire criminal record after 10 crime-free years from the date of your last conviction, payment of fines, or release from custody — whichever is latest. Unlike the regular expungement statute, the Clean Slate covers multiple convictions in one petition.
More New Jersey expungement resources
- Complete New Jersey expungement guide → — eligibility, process, statutes, and timelines
- How much does expungement cost? (state-by-state)
- What shows up on a background check after expungement?
- ← All states: free expungement help directory