Suffolk County Criminal Defense Lawyer Jason Bassett Discusses the Process of Sealing Criminal Conviction

Suffolk County criminal defense lawyer Jason Bassett (https://jbassettlaw.com/sealing-criminal-convictions/) releases a new article discussing sealing criminal convictions. The lawyer mentions that an individual’s criminal record may remain with them long after they have served their sentence. Having a criminal record can make it almost impossible for a person to find decent work.

According to the Suffolk County criminal defense lawyer, "With a criminal record, you may be denied housing or disqualified from receiving public benefits. You can find yourself being rejected from educational programs and denied certain professional licenses. It can seem that you will have to carry your past mistakes around with you for the rest of your life.”

The lawyer explains that New York doesn't have any laws that erase or "expunge" criminal records. According to New York Criminal Procedure Law Section 160.59, there is a process to “seal” criminal convictions instead. However, it can be a complicated process for someone who is not well-versed in the law.

Attorney Jason Bassett mentions that to be eligible for a case “sealing”, the defendant must have been crime-free for at minimum 10 years after their date of conviction or release. There is also a limit on the number of convictions a person can have "sealed". Generally, they will be allowed 2 misdemeanor convictions or 1 felony and 1 misdemeanor conviction sealed.

In the article by the criminal defense attorney, he explains that even though someone has had more than two convictions, the sealing could be possible as long as they are related. An individual with a criminal case in progress cannot have their convictions sealed.

Furthermore, attorney Bassett says that once a court approves the motion, everything related to the crime from records of arrests, prosecutions, and convictions will be sealed. The public will not have access to the records anymore and this will give the person more opportunities to get a better life. However, there are also criminal offenses that are not eligible for sealing.

Lastly, the lawyer emphasizes the importance of having a skilled attorney when it comes to matters like sealing criminal convictions. Having an experienced lawyer may be able to help the person live a normal life after serving their sentence.

About Jason Bassett Criminal Attorney

Jason Bassett, Esq. has dedicated his practice to defending the rights of those who are accused of criminal offenses. He puts his unique perspective as a former prosecutor to work and provides the best legal assistance he can give to his clients. Mr. Bassett brings a unique combination of skill, experience, and zealous advocacy to provide his clients with the best possible outcomes. Contact him today to schedule a consultation.