MM Edison
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Roles:
Lawyer
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Activities:
Accept cases for representation
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Area of Law:
Prisoner Issues and Reentry
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Participating Organization:
Legal Services of New Jersey
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Summary:
Client needs assistance to expunge her criminal record. That record has been a barrier to securing employment and an apartment. Client is also considering getting a real estate license or another professional license and understands that she may be denied unless her record is expunged.
In January, 2013 Client was charged in Michigan with kidnapping, resisting arrest and possession of marijuana. The situation arose when Client picked up a disabled little child a school bus claiming to be getting her on behalf of her mother. Client drove the child around for several hours and then called police and returned her. Client claimed that she had been concerned for the child’s safety and thought there was a bomb in the child’s backpack. Client was arrested when she returned the child and shouted profanities at the police. In a search incident to the arrest Client was found in possession of marijuana. At trial, which was covered extensively, Client was acquitted of kidnapping but convicted of the possessory offense and resisting arrest. She was sentenced to probation in August, 2015, which she successfully completed. Client was told that her conviction could be expunged after five years.
Several years later, having returned to New Jersey, Client was arrested on March 13, 2017 and charged with possession of marijuana (under 50 grams) with intent to use and drug paraphernalia. The Keyport Municipal Court convicted her of the possessory offense and dismissed the paraphernalia charge. She completed a conditional discharge a year later, paid all fines, and the matter was dismissed.
Client would like to expunge her complete record, but representation here is only for the New Jersey conviction. An attorney in Michigan informed her that she would have to first expunge her New Jersey dismissal before filing for expungement in Michigan. In seeking to expunge her New Jersey record, Client will have to disclose the indictable offense in Michigan. She has been informed that the county Monmouth County prosecutor’s office may object on grounds that the need for the availability of her criminal record outweighs considerations supporting expungement. Client wants to proceed but needs assistance in doing so.
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Please contact the organization below for more information about this case/opportunity.
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www.lsnj.org
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Phone: 732-572-9100; Fax: 732-572-0066
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Contact Pro Bono
Name : Janet Ashley-Naouli
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Email : [email protected]
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Phone :
732-572-9100 ext: 8245
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