Free Expungement Clinic Returns To Clear Records and Unlock Opportunities in Long Branch

Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago will host the second free expungement clinic in Long Branch on Thursday, April 16. Nearly a dozen groups have joined forces to help residents wipe their records clean at no cost. The clinic runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Second Baptist Church, 93 Liberty St.

Groups backing the clinic span the Prosecutor's Office, New Jersey Office of the Public Defender, Community Affairs & Resource Center, Monmouth County Bar Association, Legal Aid Society of Monmouth County, New Jersey Reentry Corporation, Boys & Girls Club of Monmouth County, Monmouth County One Stop Career Center, Long Branch Police Department, and the City of Long Branch, plus the Greater Asbury Park Community Development Initiative.

"An expungement is far more than just paperwork — it's about turning a corner and starting over with a clean slate, with an eye toward a brighter future," said Santiago, according to The Monmouth Journal Eastern. "The most important thing I'd like the public to know about this event is that it is completely free, with no strings attached."

The first clinic in Asbury Park drew over 300 people. About 100 had their records expunged that same day.

New Jersey Public Defender Jennifer N. Sellitti stressed the need to remove barriers blocking those who want a fresh start. "Too often, people are expected to rebuild their lives while still carrying the weight of records that no longer reflect who they are," Sellitti said. "Expungement is one of the clearest ways the legal system can restore opportunity."

What is an expungement? It means removal, sealing, impounding, and isolation of all records tied to someone who qualifies — records kept on file within any court, detention or correctional facility, or law enforcement or criminal justice agency. When a court orders expungement, it can erase information about an arrest, all court proceedings tied to the case, a criminal or juvenile conviction, and the outcome, which includes the sentence.

Custodians of Records in New Jersey must respond to requests for expunged records by stating that a search did not reveal any materials.

Monmouth Bar Association President James J. Uliano praised the initiative. "Expungement can be truly life-changing — it opens doors to employment, housing, and education that a prior record can close," Uliano said.

People can walk in and meet with volunteer attorneys during the four-hour window. The goal is to help those who qualify file expungement petitions the same day.