Staten Island Expungement Lawyer

Staten Island Expungement Attorney

Having a criminal record can result in significant barriers to housing, education, and employment opportunities, as well as the loss of the right to vote. Therefore, when going up against serious criminal defense charges, most defendants are worried about how it will impact their criminal record. In Staten Island, New York, having certain convictions on your criminal record can seriously restrict your rights and freedoms.

A Staten Island expungement lawyer from The Vitaliano Law Firm can help you work through the complex legal process of getting your criminal record cleared. The New York expungement process is particularly difficult and requires a Staten Island criminal attorney who can provide you with sound advice. They can help you work through all the various legal obstacles to get your case expunged.

Understanding Expungement in New York: An Overview

Expungement is defined as a legal process that allows people with a criminal past to get their records either cleared or sealed from the public. If they are sealed, this means that the record still exists, but the public is prohibited from looking at it.

In New York, it is not possible to get your criminal record expunged. However, getting your record sealed is a viable option that a criminal lawyer can help you with. Because the public cannot see your record, you will not be blocked from crucial opportunities, such as those related to housing and employment. This is because most landlords and employers will not be able to see your record.

There is an additional alternative to expungement in New York called a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities (CRD). A CRD can be issued by the court to show that you have completed certain requirements that deem you ready to live and work in society again. When you have a CRD, you have a better chance of accessing professional and educational opportunities.

Keep in mind that a certificate of relief or sealing your record can only be accessible in certain situations. For example, if you have more than one felony that did not occur on the same day, you are not eligible to apply for CRD. A defense lawyer can help you understand the specifics of your criminal case. Furthermore, an expungement attorney can help you understand all your options beyond CRD and sealing.

Staten Island Expungement Benefits

While expungement is not specifically available in New York, similar services associated with it, such as ARD and sealing, can provide individuals with many benefits that can help them leave their criminal past behind. Such benefits include:

• Access to Employment: When you apply for a job, employers will typically run a background check on you. During this process, they can find out whether you have a criminal record, which can lead them to decide against hiring you. Finding alternatives around this can help you procure sound employment, which can aid you in building a career.
• Access to Housing: Landlords and other property owners or agencies will often carry out a background check on you before deciding whether you can reside in a house. If you have an accessible criminal record, it can make it much more difficult for you to be able to sign a rental contract or even buy a house. By having a CRD or sealing your record, you will optimize your chances of finding safe and affordable housing.
• Opportunities for Education: If you are interested in pursuing higher education, a criminal record can be a serious barrier. Many educational programs and universities will ask you about your criminal record and run background checks. By pursuing avenues like expungement, you can take advantage of the opportunities that higher education can bring.
• Ability to Connect With Others: Unfortunately, having a criminal record available to the public might make you feel hesitant to forge new relationships with others out of fear that they might judge you or lose respect for you. By pursuing options like expungement, you will be able to connect more deeply with others and forge lifelong relationships.

Having a criminal record can hold you back professionally, personally, and emotionally. Getting your record expunged can feel like a weight off your shoulders. Therefore, it is advised that you work with an expungement lawyer who can help you get the relief you need to move on with your life.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a New York Expungement Cost?

A: In New York State, expungement is not possible, except for charges related to marijuana. The cost of getting a record sealed, or pursuing alternative processes to expungement, is dependent on whether the case is complex, the severity of the associated criminal charges, and whether there will be court fees. Therefore, you should ask your expungement lawyer upfront about what the expected costs will be.

Q: What Factors Are Considered in Record Sealing?

A: Sealing records in New York involves many factors, including:

• The amount of time that has passed since the crime occurred
• How serious the crime was
• Whether the individual has a history of committing other crimes
• What the individual has done to rehabilitate since the occurrence of the crime

A Staten Island criminal attorney can assist you in understanding the specifics of your case.

Q: Do I Need to Get an Attorney for My Criminal Record?

A: In New York, you can apply to get your records sealed, or for a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities, without a lawyer. However, it is highly recommended that you hire a Staten Island expungement attorney who is familiar with the local laws to help you with your case. This can help you obtain the greatest outcome possible for your case.

Q: How Do I Expunge My Record in New York?

A: To get a New York criminal record expunged, you will need to have deep knowledge of the state laws and go through a long and intricate process. Because you cannot get your record explicitly expunged, you will need to know about close alternatives that can be pursued in New York State. You will also need to submit court documents and evidence. An experienced expungement lawyer can help you with all this.

Pursuing Expungement Today: Leaving the Past Behind

If you are considering options for getting your past criminal record sealed or cleared, a dedicated expungement lawyer at The Vitaliano Law Firm can help you. Our legal team has years of experience helping individuals come up with solutions so that they can pursue new milestones in their lives, such as housing, employment, and education opportunities. Contact us today so that we can help you.