If you have ever been convicted of a crime in New York, you know that it may be more difficult to find employment or get government assistance or housing. However, there may be some options for you such as getting your criminal conviction sealed.
Requirements to Get Case Sealed
In order to qualify to get your New York conviction sealed, your case must have been dismissed, you need to be acquitted of a crime, or you must have been wrongfully charged with the crime. Persons who were convicted as juveniles may also have their offense sealed and those convicted of trespass or loitering may qualify as well. Completing a drug or alcohol addiction treatment program may also qualify under some circumstances. The governor may issue a pardon, but that may be under rare circumstances. A New York criminal defense attorney can review your charges to determine whether you qualify to have the criminal conviction sealed.
Advantage of Getting Record Sealed
The good thing about having your record sealed is that when you apply for a job or someone does a criminal background search, your name will no longer come up. State and federal government agencies may still be able to see the record though and so may the military and a parole or probation officer.
Other Options
If you do not meet the eligibility requirements to have your conviction sealed, then you may be able to qualify for either a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities providing you have not been convicted of more than one felony crime in New York or a Certificate of Good Conduct if you have been convicted of multiple felonies after a certain period of time after your sentence was completed or you were released from parole.
Since getting a criminal conviction sealed or obtaining a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities of a Certificate of Good Conduct is complicated for most people, you may want to work with criminal defense attorney to help you with the process.
