Cases We Handle
Re-Entry Project
Cases We Handle
New York Criminal Record Sealing after 10 years Crime-Free under New York State’s new sealing law Criminal Procedure Law 160.59. Effective October 2017, eligible people who have no more than two criminal convictions, and no more than one felony can apply to have their New York criminal records sealed. While most many kinds of convictions can be sealed, certain very serious convictions cannot be sealed: sex offenses, violent felonies, A felonies, homicides and certain other serious crimes are not eligible for criminal record sealing. To be eligible from criminal record sealing, you must crime free for at least ten years since your last conviction or release from incarceration (whichever is later). You must also provide the court with substantial evidence of rehabilitation. Criminal Record Sealing in New York is not expungement – it does not undo the conviction; it still exists but is invisible on most backgrounds checks (however, it can be seen by law enforcement, the federal government, fire arms background checks, the military if you are enlisting, some jobs that require security clearance, etc.)
Overcoming Barriers to Employment and Professional Licensing for People with Criminal Records or Justice System Involvement. If you have been denied employment or a work clearance within the last year, or have been terminated from your job within the last year due to your criminal record, we may be able to assist with advice, advocacy or direct representation on a case-by-case basis and as resources allow concerning the following matters:
- Help obtaining Certificates of Relief from Disabilities and Certificates of Good Conduct if the certificate is likely to result in work clearance for the job or acquisition of the job that was denied or lost
- State licensure or employment denials based on criminal records
- Violations of State and/or Federal employment discrimination protections for people with criminal records, including the New York Human Rights Law and the Fair Credit Reporting Act
- Incorrect or erroneous commercial background checks resulting in wrongful denial of employment or licensure.
