Your Trial Advocates - We Fight for You
Schedule Your Consultation
Trusted Advocates Fighting for You

What is the Difference Between Record Sealing & Expungement?

What Does it Mean to EXPUNGE a Criminal Record?

Expungement of a criminal record means the conviction is completely erased and cannot be resurrected. The law treats an expunged record as if the conviction never happened. In a state that allows a record to be expunged, a person with an expunged record can say they have never been convicted of a crime. When a record is expunged, it cannot be used as the basis for an enhancement under the law if there is a new conviction. An expunged record, at least in theory, should not be available to anyone, even law enforcement authorities. Only a judge can order that a criminal record be expunged.

What Does it Mean to SEAL a Criminal Record?

Sealing a criminal record means that the record is sealed and cannot be made available to the public. The conviction still exists, but it will not be reported as part of a background check for the purposes of employment, housing, education and other important purposes.

A person with a sealed record can say they have never been convicted of a crime. However, a sealed record may still be used as the basis for an enhancement under the law if there is a new conviction. A sealed record is also accessible to law enforcement and certain other authorities, such as firearm licensing departments. Only a judge can order that a criminal record be sealed.

What Crimes Can Be Sealed in New York?

New York State does NOT permit criminal records to be expunged. New York only recently allowed for broad criminal record sealing of many non-violent felony and misdemeanor criminal records, including drug possession and driving while intoxicated (DWI/DUI) convictions, under CPL Section 160.59.

Contact us today to see how we can help seal your New York criminal record.

Client Reviews

  • Rick Collins was amazing both as my attorney and counselor in every sense of the word.

    “Rick Collins was amazing both as my attorney and counselor in every sense of the word. He not only brought my case to the best resolution possible, but he was a pillar of support and calm throughout. ...”

    - V. S. M.
  • You made sure I got the best outcome possible and I am extremely grateful.

    “Hi Marc, Hope all is well with you and your family. I wanted to take a moment and say thank you. You came into my life at probably the darkest and worst moment I've ever had. From the outset you never ...”

    - Matthew
  • Rick Collins is definitely the man you want standing in your corner.

    “I'm still shocked at the outcome.”

    - Steve
  • The outcome was better than we all expected.

    “Rick is the Man...the myth and the legend!”

    - John C.
  • Great People with Strong Legal Expertise

    “I feel incredibly lucky to have found Mr. McCloskey.”

    - Garrett K.
/

Case Results

  • SEVEN FIGURE SETTLEMENT MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT
  • CHARGES DROPPED WITHOUT ARREST RAPE ALLEGATIONS
  • CONVICTION VACATED AND CHARGES DISMISSED DEPORTED AFTER GUILTY PLEA IN 2005
  • SIX FIGURE SETTLEMENT JOGGER HIT BY MOTOR VEHICLE
  • DISMISSED DRUG CASE
  • DISMISSED INTOXICATED DRIVING CASE
  • DISMISSED FELONY DRUG CASE
  • JURY ACQUITTAL 84-COUNT INDICTMENT
  • DISMISSED AGGRAVATED HARASSMENT
  • JURY ACQUITTAL ARMED ROBBERY
/

Schedule Your Consultation Today

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.