This bill amends N.J.S.A.2C:52-6 to grant the court discretion in expunging records related to domestic violence arrests that do not result in a conviction. Under the current law, the Superior Court is required to order the expungement of all records when a person is arrested but subsequently dismissed, acquitted, or discharged without a conviction. The new language allows the court to withhold expungement for six months following an objection from the county or municipal prosecutor, thereby providing a mechanism to consider the circumstances surrounding domestic violence cases more carefully.

The bill aims to address concerns that victims of domestic violence may feel pressured to withdraw charges or not cooperate with prosecutions, leading to dismissals or acquittals that would otherwise qualify for immediate expungement. By allowing the court to exercise discretion in these cases, the bill seeks to ensure that prior arrests for domestic violence are taken into account in future proceedings, thereby enhancing the protection of victims and the integrity of the judicial process.