Cost is one of the first questions people ask about expungement — and it’s a fair one. You’ve already dealt with fines, court costs, and possibly lawyer fees for the original case. Before starting the expungement process, you want to know what you’re looking at financially.
The good news: expungement in New Jersey is less expensive than most people expect, especially when you consider what it’s worth over a lifetime of background checks.
The Court Filing Fee: $75
New Jersey charges a $75 filing fee to file an expungement petition in Superior Court. This is the only mandatory court cost, and it applies to most expungement petitions. There is no additional fee for the judge’s review or for the expungement order being entered.
This fee is paid directly to the court when you file. It is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
Attorney Fees: What to Expect
Most expungement attorneys in New Jersey charge a flat fee for a straightforward expungement — meaning you pay one set amount that covers the attorney’s work from start to finish, without hourly billing that can escalate unpredictably.
Call for a free consultation and I’ll give you a clear, flat-fee quote based on your specific situation.
Some attorneys charge less for very simple cases (a single disorderly persons conviction, no complications). Others charge more for complex matters. What matters is that you understand exactly what the fee covers before you hire anyone.
What Affects the Cost
Several factors can push the cost above the typical range:
Multiple convictions. If you have several convictions to include on a single petition, or if convictions occurred in different counties (requiring service to multiple court systems), the work is more involved and fees may be higher.
Older or harder-to-locate records. If the convictions are decades old and records need to be tracked down through multiple agencies, that adds time and effort to the pre-filing stage.
An objection by the prosecutor. If the county prosecutor’s office files an objection to your petition — which is uncommon in straightforward cases but does happen — the attorney will need to prepare written argument and appear for a contested hearing. This typically adds to the cost.
Multiple counties. Each county where a conviction occurred is a separate filing location with its own service requirements. Cases spanning multiple counties involve more filings, more service packages, and more coordination.
Can You Do It Yourself to Save Money?
Yes — you can file an expungement petition pro se (without an attorney), which saves the attorney fee. The court forms are available through the New Jersey courts system, and the $75 filing fee applies regardless of whether you have representation.
However, there are real risks to going it alone. The petition must include precise legal descriptions of every charge, correct statute citations, proper identification of all required agencies for service, and compliance with each county’s local rules. Errors in any of these areas can result in your petition being rejected, delayed, or denied. If your eligibility is at all in question, a mistake could result in a denial that creates additional complications.
For most people, the attorney fee is worth it not just for accuracy, but because an experienced expungement attorney will also confirm that you’re actually eligible before you invest the time and $75 filing fee in a petition that might not succeed.
Is Expungement Worth the Cost?
Consider what’s on the other side of the equation. A criminal record showing up on a background check can cost you a job offer, a promotion, an apartment, or a professional license. The cumulative cost of a record that follows you for years — in missed opportunities and lower earnings — vastly outweighs a one-time legal fee.
Once you’re eligible and you expunge, that record is sealed. You don’t pay again. It’s a one-time investment with permanent benefit.
Ready to Start?
If you think you might qualify for expungement in New Jersey, call for a free consultation. I’ll review your history, confirm whether you’re eligible, and give you a clear, flat-fee quote for the work.
Free consultation: (908) 388-9310
Or contact Jenna Casper Bloom online.
→ Also see: New Jersey Expungement: The Complete Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get an expungement in New Jersey?
The court filing fee is $75. Attorney fees vary by case — call for a free consultation and I’ll give you an exact flat-fee quote for your situation.
What is the NJ expungement filing fee?
The court filing fee to file an expungement petition in New Jersey Superior Court is $75. This is a flat, non-refundable fee paid at the time of filing, regardless of the outcome of the petition.
Can you get expungement for free in New Jersey?
The $75 filing fee is required by the court. You can reduce costs by filing pro se (without an attorney), which eliminates attorney fees — but you take on the risk of errors in the petition. Some legal aid organizations offer free or low-cost expungement assistance to qualifying individuals. The New Jersey Clean Slate law also creates a pathway for automatic expungement after 10 years without a petition, at no cost, for eligible individuals.
Does the expungement fee change if I have multiple convictions?
The $75 court filing fee applies to the petition — you typically file one petition even if it covers multiple convictions from the same county. If convictions occurred in different counties, you may need to file in multiple courts, each with its own filing fee. Attorney fees for complex multi-conviction or multi-county expungements are typically higher.
Do expungement lawyers in NJ charge by the hour or a flat fee?
Most expungement attorneys in New Jersey charge a flat fee for straightforward cases. This means one set price that covers the entire process — drafting the petition, handling service, attending the hearing, and following up on the order. A flat fee arrangement makes the total cost predictable and eliminates the risk of an unexpectedly high bill.
