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New York Criminal Record Sealing Packet

Free legal self-help guide for New York residents. This packet provides LSC-grade legal information to help you understand your rights and navigate the court system.

New York Criminal Record Sealing Packet

Jurisdiction-correct document templates. Not legal advice.


1. Eligibility Checker

What Is "Sealing" in New York?

Who Qualifies for Sealing?

  • NOT automatic for: sex offenses, Class A felonies, domestic violence, DWI/DUI

Who Does NOT Qualify?

File at: New York court finder: https://www.nycourts.gov/courts/


2. Required Forms

For CPL §160.59 Sealing (10+ Year Convictions)

Form NamePurposeWhere to Get
Sealing Application (CPL 160.59)Main petition to seal qualifying convictionsNY Courts Forms or local court clerk
Criminal History Report (RAP Sheet)Proof of your record and eligibilityDCJS: (518) 457-9847 or DCJS Website
Certificate of DispositionProves case outcomeCourt where case was heard (fee: $10-25)
Affidavit of ServiceProves you notified the District AttorneyIncluded in application packet

For Drug Treatment Sealing (CPL §160.58)

Form NamePurposeWhere to Get
Sealing Application (CPL 160.58)Petition for drug treatment sealingCourt where case was heard
Proof of Treatment CompletionDocuments showing successful treatmentTreatment provider

Fees

  • Filing fee: $0 (no fee to file sealing application)
  • RAP sheet: $7.50 (fee waiver available)
  • Certificate of Disposition: $10-25 per case


3. Step-by-Step Filing Instructions

Step 1: Get Your Criminal History Report (RAP Sheet)

  1. Contact the NY Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)
  2. Request a personal criminal history review ($7.50 fee)
  3. Wait 2-3 weeks to receive your RAP sheet
  4. Review it carefully for accuracy

Step 2: Get Certificates of Disposition

  1. Contact the court clerk where each case was heard
  2. Request a Certificate of Disposition for each case
  3. Pay the fee ($10-25 per certificate)
  4. Keep originals and make copies

Step 3: Complete the Sealing Application

  1. Download the CPL §160.59 Sealing Application from NY Courts website
  2. Fill out completely and accurately:

Step 4: Serve the District Attorney

Step 5: File with the Court

Step 6: Attend Hearing (If Required)


5. Filing Checklist

  • [ ] Criminal history report (RAP sheet) from DCJS
  • [ ] Certificates of Disposition for each conviction
  • [ ] Completed Sealing Application (CPL 160.59 form)
  • [ ] Affidavit of Service (proof you notified the DA)
  • [ ] Photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
  • [ ] Proof of mailing to District Attorney (certified mail receipt)
  • [ ] Copies of all documents (keep for your records)
  • [ ] Proof of 10-year waiting period (court documents showing sentencing/release dates)

  • Legal Services of the Hudson Valley: lshv.org · 1-877-574-8529
  • Legal Aid Society of NYC: legal-aid.org · (212) 577-3300
  • NY Courts Self-Help: nycourts.gov/selfhelp · (212) 428-2104
  • Legal Services NYC: legalservicesnyc.org · (212) 431-7200

*Not legal advice. Jurist-Diction is not a law firm. Templates are jurisdiction-correct.

Verify current law before filing. For legal advice contact a licensed New York attorney or legal aid. jurist-diction.com*

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