Source review: September 29, 2026. Information only, not legal advice.
New York criminal record sealing
New York has a developing automatic Clean Slate process and a separate court-application route for some older convictions. The courts say automatic implementation may take until November 16, 2027. A three- or eight-year waiting period does not by itself mean a conviction is already sealed. Check the disposition, current record and applicable route before relying on relief.
When will Clean Slate sealing take effect?
The law took effect November 16, 2024, but New York Courts says it has until November 16, 2027 to build the automatic process. The court FAQ describes three years for misdemeanors and eight years for felonies, measured with sentencing or release and subject to new convictions, pending cases, supervision and offense exclusions. The courts say most Class A felonies, except specified drug offenses, are excluded. Verify actual sealing status rather than inferring it from elapsed time.
What is the separate CPL 160.59 court application?
Under New York Courts' ten-year sealing guide, some people can apply to a court under CPL 160.59. The general framework limits the number and type of convictions, has exclusions and requires a judge's decision. It is not an automatic Clean Slate order and the ten-year rule cannot be swapped for the Clean Slate period.
How do you prepare a sealing application?
- Get a certificate of disposition for each relevant case and check your official criminal-history record.
- Read the court's application and service instructions; identify the correct court and district attorney.
- Use the current court forms, file and serve as directed, and keep proof of service. The judge may require a hearing or more information.
- Check the final order and record status. If you need immigration or licensing advice, ask a New York lawyer.
What can the RecordReset screener tell you?
The free informational screener may identify a possible route, but it does not check a court's live sealing status or provide a New York petition workbook or filing service.
New York record-clearing law is primarily under N.Y. Crim. Proc. Law §§ 160.50, 160.55, 160.59, and 720.35, plus the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (2021). The information here is a summary and not a substitute for review by a licensed New York attorney.
Questions people ask
Is New York Clean Slate sealing complete in 2026?
No. New York Courts says the court system has until November 16, 2027 to implement automatic sealing processes. Do not assume a record is already sealed.
What are the Clean Slate waiting periods?
New York Courts describes three years for eligible misdemeanors and eight years for eligible felonies, with conditions about sentencing, incarceration, new convictions and supervision. Some offenses are excluded.
Is there another route before automatic sealing?
CPL 160.59 provides a separate court application for some older convictions. Its ten-year measure, offense limits and judicial discretion differ from Clean Slate.
RecordReset is a self-help legal information service, not a law firm. A screening can only say a case may match published rules and needs review. A court or agency determines relief. RecordReset does not file cases or offer attorney review; paid enrollment and draft PDFs are paused for legal and form review.