Criminal records can cause a lot of trouble throughout one’s life. If you have a criminal record, there are long-term consequences you may face. Luckily, there are some solutions when it comes to your record. Read on to learn more about sealing a record in New York.
What Are the Potential Consequences of a Record?
You have likely had a job or college application ask you about your criminal record. This is something that may come up many times in your life, especially while trying to obtain important things like employment or education. A criminal record may impact the following:
- Difficulty getting and keeping a job. A criminal record can limit the types of jobs available, as they often require applicants to check “yes” on an application for being convicted of a crime. Employers also usually conduct background checks. If an applicant lies by checking “no,” they can be disqualified. Employees who are convicted of a crime can get fired from their current job as a result.
- Child custody arrangements. If a person commits a crime, their former spouse and the court may use this to prove they are an unfit parent/danger to their child.
- A person’s immigration status. Foreign individuals with a criminal record can be deported or prevented from becoming a future citizen.
- Those who commit a crime more than one time can face worse penalties for each new crime.
Sealing a Record
In New York, you may have the option of sealing your criminal record. A sealed record is removed from the public record and cannot be viewed by others even though it still exists. While this is true, sealed records can be accessed or re-opened through a court order. The following crimes can be sealed in the state of New York:
- Possession of less than ⅞ of an ounce of marijuana, three years after their conviction
- Non-criminal violations, such as trespassing
- Certain crimes committed as a juvenile
- Any charge where there was no conviction
- Certain misdemeanors or felonies, as long as the offender either entered court-mandated alcohol or drug treatment program, have no additional pending charges, and have satisfied any sentence or request mandated after they completed treatment.
If you have a criminal record and you would like to look into the process of sealing it, contact our firm today. We understand that people make mistakes and we want to help you move on.
Contact our Firm
Criminal matters can change the course of your life forever. This is why you need an experienced attorney who will aggressively combat your charges to help mitigate their long-term effects. If you are in need of experienced legal counsel for a criminal defense matter on Long Island or throughout New York State, please contact KCS Law to schedule a consultation. We would be happy to assist you.