Expungement in New York
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
New York seals rather than expunges most records; eligible convictions are removed from public view but law enforcement retains access.
How New York treats Expungement
New York uses "sealing" instead of traditional expungement under the Criminal Procedure Law. Eligible convictions—including certain felonies, misdemeanors, and violations—are sealed from public view after a waiting period, typically 10 years for felonies and 5 years for misdemeanors. Sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement, courts, and certain government agencies. Arrests that do not result in conviction are sealed automatically or upon request.
The general definition of Expungement
A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.
Expungement allows you to have a criminal conviction removed from your official record, as if it never happened. Once expunged, you can legally say you were never convicted of that crime in most situations. Not all convictions qualify—eligibility depends on the crime, how much time has passed, and your state's laws. This gives people a fresh start and removes barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities.
Read the full Expungement entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in New York.