How do I get my Criminal Record in New Jersey?

When you file for a New Jersey expungement, you must list all of your arrests in the application, including arrests outside the state of New Jersey. You must list these incidents even if the charges were later dropped. Therefore, it is important to get a copy of your criminal record before you begin the expungement process. Most services and lawyers will obtain a copy for you. However, we recommend that you try to get it on your own – it’s not difficult and it saves you money. There are several ways to get your criminal history, and depending on your situation, you might have to use more than one method to get your complete record.

This article will outline four methods you can use to obtain your criminal record: court disposition, FBI search, Morpho Trak, and private attorney. Each has advantages and disadvantages.

Court Disposition

A court disposition is a file that details the final outcome of a criminal case. It contains all the information necessary to file for New Jersey expungement including the outcome of the case, complaint/indictment numbers, statutes charged/convicted, and dates.

Process: To request your record from court, you must fill out an application. You can mail your application or bring it to court. If you decide to mail the application, you may receive your court disposition within a few weeks. If you go to court, you may receive it within 30 minutes.

Fee: $10.00

Advantages:

All the information you need concerning the arrest you request.
Easy form and mailing instructions.
Quick, especially if you physically go to court.
This is the method of most lawyers use.

Disadvantages:

If you have been arrested multiple times, you may need to make a request to each court.
Procedures may vary by court. Therefore, you should call the court to find out the process.

NJ State Police

In New Jersey. To get your criminal/juvenile history record (rap sheet) from the New Jersey State Police, you must make arrangements to get fingerprinted by Morpho Trak, a company privately contracted with the State.

Process: Consult with a legal professional to assist in obtaining your background through the state. Once fingerprinted, you will receive your record in a couple weeks. (Click here for more information).

Fee: $40.70

Advantages:

All New Jersey arrests where you were fingerprinted during processing will be present.
Relatively short waiting period.

Disadvantages:

Form instructions are confusing and lengthy.
You must go to an office to be fingerprinted.
Office hours and locations may be inconvenient.
Arrests where you were not fingerprinted during processing will not be present.
Arrests outside of New Jersey may not be present.
May not include juvenile or family records.

Outside of New Jersey. If you live outside of New Jersey, but you have a record in New Jersey, you can obtain your record by calling the Criminal Information Unit of the New Jersey State Police. They will send you instructions on how to get your record. The process involves filling out some forms.

FBI Search

Process: You must fill out an application form and a “fingerprint card”. Unlike obtaining your record from the New Jersey State Police, you do not have to visit any physical office to complete your fingerprint card. However, the FBI recommends that you have your fingerprints taken by a fingerprinting technician. Once the application is received, you should receive your record within 6 to 12 weeks. (learn more).

Fee: $18.00

Advantages:

All arrests where you were fingerprinted will be present, regardless of the state where the arrest took place.
You do not have to go to a physical office.

Disadvantages:

Form instructions may be confusing.
Completing your fingerprint card may be difficult.
Takes as long as 12 weeks to receive your record.
Arrests where you were not fingerprinted may not be present.
May not include juvenile or family records.

Your Attorney

If a private attorney represented you during the criminal matter, he or she will have a copy of your final disposition. Calling this person up and requesting your file is a quickest and cheapest way to get your records relating to that case. Or, you can just simply ask our firm to acquire the records for you. Fees may apply.