QUESTION
Petty Theft Misdemeanor - Out of State
Asked on May 09th, 2016 on Criminal Law - New Jersey
More details to this question:
My son who is a law student nonetheless, apparently got caught in some petty theft while away at school in Florida last year. It was logged in as a misdemeanor. I just found out through a search on beenverified.com I am extremely worried about this. Will this impact him becoming a lawyer. Is there a way to expunge this from his record. He is now completing his second year at a school in NJ and will take the bar in NJ. We have been NJ residents for 18 years.
1 ANSWER
Anthony Van Zwaren
Even though a conviction may be expunged (every state has its own timetable and requirements) it would still be encumbent upon a person being admitted to the Bar to report it. However, it is possible for the Bar Examiner to waive a minor offense. I think attempting to hide it, even if it were expunged, would cause more problems. But that is my opinion. You can call the Attorney Ethics hotline in NJ, they may be able to assist you. The number is listed on the link I am providing. http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/oae/ethicshelp.html
Answered on May 09th, 2016 at 1:44 PM