Free Expungement Clinic In Asbury Park Thursday

ASBURY PARK, NJ — Do you have a criminal record? This Thursday, the Monmouth County Prosecutor's office will hold a free clinic to help you make it go away.

For the first time ever, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago will hold a free "expungement clinic" at St. Stephen AME Zion Church, located at 1001 Springwood Avenue in Asbury Park.

The clinic will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, November 30. Walk in for free and meet with volunteer attorneys. The lawyers are volunteering their time to help you resolve your criminal history.

An expungement is the removal, sealing, impounding or isolation of all criminal records kept on file. A court-ordered expungement can remove information about an eligible individual’s arrest, all court proceedings related to their case, a criminal or juvenile conviction (or convictions), and the outcome of their case, including the sentence.

“As a private criminal defense attorney in Monmouth County for over 40 years and the co-chair of the county Criminal Practice Committee, I applaud and wholeheartedly endorse the cooperative effort of all involved in the Monmouth County expungement clinic,” said local Monmouth County criminal defense lawyer Steven Nelson. “It is a wonderful opportunity for those who have had the stigma of a prior criminal record hamper education, employment and other opportunities to succeed by clearing their records and paving the way to a better life. I encourage all who have suffered this unfortunate consequence to take advantage of this free clinic without reservation or concern of what a criminal history check will reveal. This public service event is focused on helping the residents of Monmouth County put past indiscretions in the past and achieve future success.”

Asbury Park Mayor John Moor said he wanted to stress how important this event could be for Asbury Park residents and those from surrounding towns:

“I am honored to partner with our local volunteer attorneys to provide expungement opportunities to those who may not otherwise have the resources to seek that out on their own," he said.

Said Greg Gargulinksi, a partner in the law firm of Rudnick, Addonizio, Pappa and Casazza in Hazlet:

"Such an outreach program is truly special, and a reflection of the great work Prosecutor Santiago’s office is doing in the community.”

Volunteering their time for this clinic:

• The Monmouth County Bar Association
• The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office
• Office of the Public Defender
• Legal Aid Society
• Private attorneys participating in the Monmouth County
• South Jersey Legal Services
• New Jersey Reentry Corporation
• Asbury Park Housing Authority
• Asbury Park Police Department
• The Greater Asbury Park Community Development Initiative (GAPCDI)