A state Supreme Court order was issued earlier this month to start the process following the Garden State's decriminalization of specific pot offenses.
[Ads /]
This is the first cycle of an estimated 360,000 cases identified that qualify for expungement.
ALSO READ | Missing New Jersey mother found dead in Tennessee
Missing New Jersey mother found dead in Tennessee
Eligible cases include distribution of certain quantities of the drugs, possession of certain quantities of the drugs, possession of paraphernalia, use or being under the influence of the drugs, and operating a motor vehicle while in possession of the drugs.
After vacating convictions or dismissing cases, the Judiciary will automatically expunge those cases in the coming months.
Related violations of probation or pretrial monitoring also will be vacated, and driver's license suspensions or revocations for failure to appear will be rescinded.
The order also directs the cases of eligible defendants that are pending sentencing or have completed sentencing to be vacated and dismissed.
ALSO READ | Mayor of New Jersey shore town orders overnight beach, boardwalk closure
Mayor of NJ shore town orders overnight beach, boardwalk closure
The Judiciary also is creating an electronic system to allow staff to provide a certification of expungement to members of the public seeking to determine whether their case has been expunged.
[Ads /]
Cases with charges that are not eligible for dismissal under the new law will not be expunged.
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* More New Jersey news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Follow us on YouTube
Submit a News Tip