Expungement and Record Sealing: Clearing Your Name After a Conviction in NY
Having a criminal record can significantly impact your life, hindering your chances of securing employment, housing, or even obtaining loans. Fortunately, in New York, there are legal avenues available to clear your name and move forward with a fresh start.
Understanding the Expungement & Record Sealing
It's essential to comprehend the distinction between expungement and record sealing. The eligibility requirements for expungement and record sealing vary depending on the nature of your conviction and the time that has passed since the offense. If you do not meet the eligibility criteria for expungement, record sealing can still provide a way to protect your privacy.
Record Sealing
- Outcome: Sealed records are still retained by government agencies, but they are not disclosed without a court order.
- Visibility: Sealed records remain visible to law enforcement, certain government agencies, and in some cases, employers requiring security clearance. Sealing a record can limit the impact of a criminal record on employment and housing, but the record may still be considered in specific situations.
- Eligibility: Eligibility requirements for record sealing differ by jurisdiction and can involve factors such as the type of offense, time since conviction, and criminal history.
- Process: Record sealing is often simpler and more streamlined compared to expungement, and it may not always require a court hearing.
Expungement
- Outcome: Successful expungement results in the complete removal of the record, as if the offense never occurred.
- Visibility: Once expunged, the record is typically inaccessible to the public, including potential employers and landlords. Expunged records are often treated as if they never existed and do not need to be disclosed in most situations.
- Eligibility: Criteria for expungement vary by jurisdiction but generally include factors like the type of offense, time since conviction, and criminal history.
- Process: Expungement processes can be more complex and time-consuming than record sealing, often involving court hearings and legal assistance.
At Christopher K. Rodeman Attorney at Law, we specialize in expungement and record sealing services in New York. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping individuals clear their names and regain control of their lives.
If you require assistance or have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.