When a teenager commits a crime, the rest of their future may be seriously compromised. Juvenile crimes are taken seriously in New York State, but there are ways that those who commit a crime at 16 and 17 years old that may receive a pardon. You can’t be pardoned of a crime at age 16 or 17 years old, it can only occur at least a decade after the conviction has occurred. Having a conviction removed from your record can make a huge difference in the way you live your life. People without convictions have a far easier time getting a job or an apartment, and other various situations.
There are seven different requirements that you must abide by in order to have a conviction you received as a 16 or 17 year old pardoned. The first is, as previously mentioned, just that the conviction must have taken place ten years prior. You cannot have any other convictions on your record since the initial conviction occurred. In addition, the offense cannot be of violent or sexual nature. You also must be a resident of New York at the time that you apply for this pardon. Finally, you must be able to prove that you have paid income taxes as well as currently have a job, can prove that you are looking for a job, are a student, or can show that there is a legitimate reason that you cannot work.
Having your application for this pardon accepted can mean a world of new possibilities for your future. If you are unsure of whether or not you are eligible for this type of pardon, you should speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can assist you in working towards this pardon.
If you are in need of legal counsel in New York State, please feel free to contact Grunwald & Seman, P.C. and we would be happy to assist you.
