What does it mean when records are sealed?

When a criminal record is “sealed,” that means that most people can’t see it. A sealed record cannot be seen or considered. Page 1. When a criminal record is “sealed,” that means that most people can’t see it.

How long does a felony stay on your record in New York State?

A conviction would be automatically and fully expunged five years after sentencing of a misdemeanor conviction and seven years after felony conviction, as long as a person is no longer on probation or parole, has no pending criminal charges in the state and is not a sex offender.

How do I seal my record in NY?

How Do I Get My Criminal Record Sealed in New York?

Fill out the application and provide any required supporting documents.
Submit the application to the court presided over the criminal offense(s).
Submit copy of the application to the District Attorney (DA) of the county where the conviction occurred.

How do I seal a misdemeanor in NY?

You can ask the court to seal certain felony and misdemeanor convictions:

If you have no more than 2 misdemeanors or no more than 1 felony and 1 misdemeanor conviction and have been crime-free for 10 years. Visit Sealed Records: After 10 years.
If you have successfully completed a drug treatment program.

Why do cases get sealed?

Court records are also sealed when the confidentiality of the persons involved is paramount to the case. Courts use sealed records to protect companies in litigation from divulging trade secrets to the public.

Is sealing a record the same as expungement?

An expungement removes arrests and/or convictions from a person’s criminal record entirely as if they never happened. Even a court or prosecutor cannot view a person’s expunged record. In contrast, sealing removes a person’s criminal record from public view, but it can still be accessed through a court order.

What does it mean when records are sealed?