The Impact of New York State Criminal Sealing Law

How many out know that in 2017 NYS past a criminal record sealing law CPL 160.59. As I search for research study participants, I find quite a few people are unaware of the existence of this law & how it could change their lives.

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. If you have successfully completed a drug treatment program you may also qualify to seal the charge.

https://www.nycourts.gov/courthelp/Criminal/sealedRecords.shtml

Sealed Criminal Records | NY CourtHelp The official home page of the New York State Unified Court System. We hear more than three million cases a year involving almost every type of endeavor. We hear family matters, personal injury claims, commercial disputes, trust and estates issues, criminal cases, and landlord-tenant cases.

I am still looking for study participants for my dissertation research study. I am looking to interview individuals over the age of 18 who has gotten their criminal record sealed in New York State. All information will be kept confidential and not identifying information will be published.
How you can help:
1. Be a study participant .
2. Print flyer and post it where others can see it.
3. Share on social media.
4. Know someone who need their record sealed? - Contact me, there are resources to get criminal record sealed for free.

Why has only 1 percent of eligible individuals taking advantage of this law?
1. Is the law too narrow?
2. People not educated and informed?
3. Can't Afford it

NY Lawmakers Exploring Expansion of Program to Seal Past Criminal Records | New York Law Journal There was at least one area on which both sides agreed: few individuals eligible to have their past criminal records sealed in New York take advantage of the state’s current procedure for doing so. Some have estimated that fewer than 1% of those eligible take advantage of the law.

Did you know you can get your criminal record sealed in New York State? Some organizations will even seal it do it for free.

Do you live in Erie, Niagara, Orleans or Wyoming County. and would like to get your criminal record sealed? There are free resources available to help you! Contact me to find out.

I am Kanasha Blue and I am a Ph.d Candidate at Niagara University in upstate New York. As apart of my dissertation I am researching NYS criminal sealing law and looking to interview individuals who have gotten their criminal record sealed.

I am looking for anyone who is willing to share their story about getting their criminal record sealed. All information would be kept confidential and in accordance with the Unversity IRB regulation.

Kanasha Blue
716-870-1595
[email protected]

Are you eligible to apply to have your criminal record sealed? Have you already had your record sealed? Are you willing to share your story? Email, text or call: [email protected] or 716-870-1594

New York State estimates there are over 600,000 people with criminal record who are eligible to get their criminal convictions sealed, so far only about 1,300 criminal records have been seal. Its important that we share our story, so we can help inform others of this important new law.

All research participants identity will be kept confidential. We have the option to interview via phone, video conference or in person. Please help me help you tell your story!