Suffolk County Criminal Lawyer Jason Bassett on Sealing Criminal Convictions in New York

In Suffolk County, individuals seeking relief from the burden of a past criminal conviction may find a path forward through legal record sealing. Suffolk County criminal lawyer Jason Bassett (https://jbassettlaw.com/sealing-criminal-convictions/) outlines how sealing criminal convictions can help mitigate the long-term consequences of a criminal record. The Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C. is committed to assisting individuals who want to pursue this process under New York law.

Sealing a criminal record can impact nearly every part of a person's life. From employment to housing, and even access to public benefits, a criminal conviction-even long after a sentence is served-can continue to impose obstacles. Suffolk County criminal lawyer Jason Bassett explains that although both arrests and convictions may appear on background checks, legal sealing offers a way to move forward without those records being visible to most employers and landlords. Under New York law, some convictions are eligible for sealing, which means the records are no longer accessible to the public, though still visible to certain state agencies.

The recently enacted Clean Slate Act, effective November 16, 2024, offers automatic sealing of eligible convictions in New York. However, Suffolk County criminal lawyer Jason Bassett notes that this process is not immediate. The Office of Court Administration has up to three years from the effective date to seal qualifying records. While sealed records are generally hidden from standard background checks, exceptions include access by law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, and certain employers, such as those hiring for positions involving children, the elderly, or public safety.

At the Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C., Jason Bassett provides legal guidance on navigating both the Clean Slate Act and the traditional sealing process under New York Criminal Procedure Law Section 160.59. The legal process for sealing convictions can be detailed and requires preparation. For those ineligible for automatic sealing, a formal motion must be submitted to the court where the conviction occurred. That motion includes a sworn statement and supporting documentation. The District Attorney has the option to object, potentially triggering a court hearing where a judge will ultimately decide whether sealing is granted.

"Long after any sentence has been served, a criminal record can continue to limit opportunities to build a future," the article explains. "It can seem that you will have to carry your past mistakes around with you for the rest of your life."

Eligibility for sealing under CPL 160.59 typically requires that an individual has remained crime-free for at least ten years. Those with no more than two misdemeanor convictions, or one felony and one misdemeanor, may apply. Even individuals with more than two convictions may still qualify if all offenses stemmed from the same incident. Convictions for certain serious offenses, such as sex crimes, homicide, and Class A felonies, are not eligible.

Jason Bassett emphasizes the importance of legal knowledge in pursuing sealing. Once a record is sealed, it becomes inaccessible to most of the public, including employers and housing agencies. This can allow individuals to regain lost opportunities without erasing their legal past. Sealed convictions can still be viewed by certain government bodies, including law enforcement agencies and courts, especially if the individual becomes involved in future legal proceedings.

There are alternatives for those who do not qualify for sealing. The Certificate of Relief from Disabilities and the Certificate of Good Conduct are options that can lift certain legal restrictions. While these do not remove records from public view, they can restore rights and access to employment opportunities. Jason Bassett helps clients evaluate whether they may benefit from such options and guides them through the application process.

A key distinction in New York is that while records may be sealed, they cannot be expunged. Expungement, which erases a conviction entirely, is not available under current state law. Sealing, however, still offers meaningful relief by limiting who can access the record.

Jason Bassett continues to represent individuals looking to move past old convictions and reestablish their professional and personal lives. His approach focuses on presenting a thorough and persuasive case for sealing, gathering all required documents, and presenting them effectively to the court. With the introduction of the Clean Slate Act, more people may qualify for sealing than ever before, but navigating the system still requires careful legal planning.

Taking action to seal a conviction may open the door to a better future. The process begins by understanding the law, eligibility requirements, and necessary steps to file a proper motion. Jason Bassett and the Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C. remain a legal resource for Suffolk County residents aiming to reduce the burden of their criminal history.

For those seeking relief from a criminal record, now may be the right time to consider options under the Clean Slate Act or CPL 160.59. The impact of sealing a conviction can be significant, leading to new job prospects, improved housing access, and restored dignity. Consultation with an experienced Suffolk County criminal lawyer can make the difference between continuing to face roadblocks and taking meaningful steps forward.

About Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C.

The Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C. provides criminal defense services throughout Suffolk County, New York. Jason Bassett focuses on helping individuals protect their rights under New York's criminal laws, including guidance on record sealing and other post-conviction relief measures.

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Email: bassettlaw@live.com

Website: https://jbassettlaw.com/

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