A three-year window opens for the courts to seal the conviction records of qualifying New Yorkers under the Clean Slate Act. State Sen. Cordell Cleare hosted a clinic in Harlem at City College breaking down the process onNov. 16. Service organizations tabling at the clinic reviewed Clean Slate eligibility on-site.
“With equitable access to housing, employment, education, and other growth opportunities, we will not only strengthen our community but also enhance our local economy,” Cleare said in her statement. “People will be able to rebuild their lives and roots, addressing the lasting impacts of past racist and biased policing practices. This is a moment of hope and renewal, one that we must embrace together.”
Excluding sex crimes and non-drug Class A felonies, older convictions will be automatically sealed from an individual’s docket if he or she maintains a subsequent clean record after a designated amount of time passes.
Misdemeanors dating beyond three or more years after sentencing or release qualify. For felonies, that span is raised to eight years. Those on probation, parole, or post-release supervision do not qualify. The New York Unified Court System must seal eligible conviction records by Nov. 16, 2027.
New Yorkers could previously apply to seal their conviction records after a decade from their last sentencing or release. But the process required navigating a lengthy process through the prosecuting District Attorney’s Office and paying multiple fees.
Sealing conviction records allows New Yorkers to pursue jobs and housing without an age-old past conviction showing up on a background check. While Fair Chance laws prevent employers from asking upfront, they can still rescind a job offer deep into the hiring process after learning of an applicant’s criminal record.
Without factoring in prison, a conviction record reduces an individual’s lifetime earnings by roughly $100,000 on average, according to Brennan Center for Justice research. Those incarcerated at an early adult age lost $484,400 on average in potential earnings.
Assemblymember Eddie Gibbs, one of the panelists, told the AmNews over the phone that he is excited to participate in Cleare’s event. He says any of the roughly 2.3 million New Yorkers with a conviction record and their families should consider attending.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, State Senator Zellnor Myrie, and Paul Keith will round out the panelists alongside Cleare and Gibbs.
“Clean Slate will create economic opportunities and improve public safety where they’re needed most,” Myrie said in an email to AmNews. “That’s why it was supported by the largest and broadest coalition in state history. I’m so proud New York is joining the growing number of states from coast to coast who are breaking down barriers to re-entry, growing our economy and building more stable communities.”
Tandy Lau is a Report for America corps member who writes about public safety for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep him writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://bit.ly/amnews1.