Seeking to clear your criminal record in New York? An experienced expungement lawyer can guide you through the process and help you achieve a fresh start.
New York’s laws regarding expungement and sealing of records can be complex, making professional legal assistance invaluable.
Carl S. Spector is highly rated for expungement cases in New York City.
He has extensive experience in criminal defense. When choosing a lawyer, consider their track record, client reviews, and expertise in handling cases similar to yours.
A skilled attorney can assess your eligibility, navigate the legal system, and maximize your chances of a successful outcome.
1) Jones Day
Jones Day is a prominent law firm with a strong presence in New York.
While not exclusively focused on expungement, they offer comprehensive legal services that may include assistance with criminal record matters.
The firm’s New York office provides “one-stop shopping” for legal needs, serving major banks, private equity firms, and global corporations.
This breadth of expertise could be valuable if your expungement case involves complex financial or business-related aspects.
Jones Day’s New York location boasts many of the firm’s global practice leaders.
This concentration of top-tier legal talent may benefit you if your case requires high-level strategic thinking or has international implications.
The firm has received recognition for its excellence in labor and employment litigation.
While not directly related to expungement, this accolade demonstrates their ability to handle sensitive legal matters effectively.
When considering Jones Day for expungement services, keep in mind that their primary focus is on large-scale corporate law.
You may want to inquire specifically about their experience with expungement cases and ensure they can provide the personalized attention your case requires.
2) Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is a prestigious law firm with a rich history dating back to 1875.
While they may not specialize in expungement cases, their expertise in various legal areas makes them a formidable choice for complex legal matters.
With nearly 800 attorneys in their New York office alone, you’ll find a wealth of legal knowledge at your disposal.
The firm’s main office is located in Manhattan, allowing for easy access to New York’s courts and legal institutions.
Paul, Weiss has earned recognition for its outstanding legal services.
The New York Law Journal named them “Law Firm of the Year” for 2024, highlighting their commitment to excellence in the legal field.
Although expungement may not be their primary focus, the firm’s diverse background and experience in litigation could prove valuable in handling your case.
Their attorneys are known for providing innovative solutions to complex legal challenges.
You’ll benefit from the firm’s extensive resources and collaborative approach.
The New York team works seamlessly with colleagues across other offices, ensuring comprehensive legal support for your needs.
While Paul, Weiss might be best suited for high-profile or corporate cases, their reputation and legal acumen could be advantageous if you’re dealing with a particularly complex expungement situation.
Consider reaching out to discuss your specific case and determine if their services align with your expungement needs.
3) Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP
Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP is a prestigious law firm headquartered in New York with additional offices in Silicon Valley, Washington, DC, and Paris.
The firm is known for providing creative and pragmatic solutions to complex legal issues.
When seeking expungement services in New York, you might consider Kramer Levin for their extensive experience in white-collar criminal defense.
Their team includes nationally renowned trial lawyers who have handled sensitive and high-profile cases.
One of the firm’s notable attorneys is Barry H. Berke, a prominent white-collar criminal defense attorney.
His expertise could be valuable if you’re looking to expunge your record, as he has represented individuals in various criminal matters.
Kramer Levin’s strong culture of public and community service may also appeal to you if you’re seeking a firm that values social responsibility.
This commitment might translate to a more empathetic approach to your expungement case.
The firm’s diverse practice areas, including immigration and land use, indicate a broad legal knowledge base.
This comprehensive expertise could be beneficial in navigating the complexities of your expungement process.
While Kramer Levin is not exclusively focused on expungement, their robust criminal defense practice and experienced attorneys make them a potential option for your expungement needs in New York.
4) Proskauer Rose LLP
Proskauer Rose LLP is a prestigious law firm with a rich history dating back to 1875.
Their New York office, located in Eleven Times Square, serves as the heart of their operations.
With a full-service legal offering, Proskauer Rose LLP can assist you with various legal matters, including those related to expungement.
Their team of experienced attorneys is well-equipped to handle complex cases and provide tailored solutions.
The firm boasts an impressive roster of 174 lawyers recognized in the 2024 Edition of Best Lawyers in America.
This accolade spans 38 transactional and contentious practices, showcasing their expertise across multiple legal areas.
You can expect high-quality representation from Proskauer Rose LLP, as they have a reputation for solving critical business and legal issues for leading companies, organizations, and individuals.
Their extensive experience and capabilities make them a strong choice for your expungement needs.
When you work with Proskauer Rose LLP, you gain access to a team of 725+ lawyers across 12 offices worldwide.
This global presence ensures that you receive comprehensive legal support, drawing from a vast pool of knowledge and resources.
While Proskauer Rose LLP is known for its work in various legal fields, it’s advisable to inquire specifically about their experience with expungement cases in New York.
This will help you determine if they are the best fit for your particular situation.
5) Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is a prestigious law firm with a strong presence in New York.
While primarily known for their corporate law expertise, they also handle complex litigation matters.
You’ll find that Davis Polk has a team of highly skilled attorneys who can assist with various legal issues, including those related to expungement.
Their extensive experience in criminal law and regulatory matters makes them well-equipped to handle expungement cases.
The firm’s managing partner, Neil Barr, is recognized as a trusted adviser to companies, executives, and boards.
This leadership contributes to the firm’s reputation for handling high-stakes legal matters with precision and expertise.
Davis Polk’s commitment to pro bono work demonstrates their dedication to serving the community.
This commitment may extend to helping individuals with expungement cases who might not otherwise have access to top-tier legal representation.
When you work with Davis Polk, you’ll benefit from their global reach and comprehensive legal knowledge.
Their attorneys are known for their ability to navigate complex legal landscapes, which can be particularly valuable in expungement cases involving multiple jurisdictions or complicated legal histories.
While Davis Polk may not specialize exclusively in expungement law, their broad expertise and resources make them a formidable choice for those seeking high-quality legal representation in New York.
6) Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is a prestigious law firm with a strong presence in New York.
While they may not specialize exclusively in expungement cases, their extensive legal expertise makes them a formidable choice for complex legal matters.
You’ll find that Gibson Dunn has a team of highly skilled attorneys who can handle a wide range of legal issues.
Their litigation practice is particularly renowned, with experience in various areas of law that may intersect with expungement cases.
The firm’s New York office boasts lawyers with impressive credentials and backgrounds.
Many of their attorneys have served in prestigious positions, including roles in government agencies and as clerks for federal judges.
Gibson Dunn’s resources and reputation can be advantageous when dealing with challenging expungement cases.
Their extensive network and experience in navigating complex legal systems may prove beneficial for your case.
While the firm typically handles high-profile corporate matters, they also take on individual cases.
If you’re facing a particularly complex expungement situation, their expertise could be invaluable.
Keep in mind that Gibson Dunn’s services may come at a premium.
However, for cases requiring top-tier legal representation, their team’s skills and the firm’s reputation might justify the investment.
7) Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
When seeking expungement services in New York, you might consider Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP.
This prestigious law firm has a strong presence in the city, with its New York office serving as a hub for various legal matters.
Cleary Gottlieb’s New York office opened in 1946 when the firm was founded.
It has since grown to house approximately 600 lawyers, making it a substantial legal powerhouse in the area.
The firm is known for handling complex financial matters, including corporate transactions and major investigations.
While expungement may not be their primary focus, their extensive legal expertise could be valuable in navigating the intricacies of record clearing.
Cleary Gottlieb has earned recognition in various legal rankings.
The Legal 500 U.SsingleletterabbreviationCol.23 edition awarded the firm numerous accolades, including “Hall of Fame” and “Leading Lawyer” rankings for many of its attorneys.
You’ll find Cleary Gottlieb’s New York office at One Liberty Plaza.
Their team of lawyers is committed to providing creative and cooperative legal solutions across various practice areas.
While the firm’s primary strengths lie in corporate and financial law, their broad expertise and resources could potentially be applied to expungement cases.
However, you should inquire directly about their specific experience with record clearing before engaging their services.
8) Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP
Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP is a prestigious international law firm with a significant presence in New York.
They are not specifically known for expungement cases, but their expertise in various legal areas makes them a formidable option for complex legal matters.
The firm boasts a team of over 750 lawyers, many of whom are based in their New York office.
Their attorneys are well-versed in handling intricate legal issues for major corporations and financial institutions.
You might find Fried Frank’s extensive resources and legal knowledge beneficial if your expungement case involves complicated legal considerations.
Their experience in corporate and financial law could be particularly useful if your record impacts your professional life.
Keep in mind that Fried Frank primarily focuses on corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and financial services.
While they may not specialize in expungement, their broad legal expertise could be an asset in certain situations.
If you choose to approach Fried Frank for your expungement needs, you can expect a high level of professionalism and thorough legal analysis.
Their team is accustomed to handling sensitive and confidential matters for high-profile clients.
9) Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is a prestigious law firm based in New York City.
They are not specifically known for expungement cases, but their expertise in various legal areas makes them a notable presence in the legal landscape.
The firm was founded in 1965 and has since built a reputation for providing high-level legal advice and achieving exceptional results for their clients.
Their practice areas include antitrust, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate policy.
You may find the firm’s approach to legal matters unique.
They operate with a smaller, more focused team of attorneys compared to many large law firms.
This allows them to provide personalized attention to complex legal issues.
One of the firm’s founding partners, Martin Lipton, is widely recognized in the legal community.
He specializes in advising major corporations on mergers, acquisitions, and strategic matters.
Another notable partner at the firm is Ilene Knable Gotts.
She focuses on antitrust law, particularly in relation to mergers and acquisitions.
Her expertise has been recognized in various legal publications.
While Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz may not be your first choice for expungement cases, their reputation and broad legal expertise make them a significant player in New York’s legal scene.
If you’re dealing with complex legal matters alongside your expungement needs, you might consider reaching out to them for comprehensive legal support.
10) Latham & Watkins LLP
Latham & Watkins LLP is a prominent law firm with a strong presence in New York.
While not specifically focused on expungement, the firm offers a wide range of legal services that may be relevant to your case.
Their New York office boasts a team of highly skilled attorneys who handle complex litigation and transactional matters.
You can find their office at 1271 Avenue of the Americas in New York City.
The firm’s litigation department has extensive experience in various practice areas, including white-collar defense and investigations.
This expertise could be valuable if you’re seeking to clear your record through expungement.
Latham & Watkins is known for its global reach and ability to handle high-profile cases.
Their attorneys have a reputation for providing top-tier legal representation to clients across various industries.
While expungement may not be their primary focus, the firm’s resources and expertise in criminal defense matters could be beneficial to your case.
Their attorneys are well-versed in navigating complex legal systems and negotiating with prosecutors.
If you’re looking for a large, established firm with a strong reputation in New York, Latham & Watkins could be worth considering.
Keep in mind that their services may come at a premium, given their status in the legal community.
Understanding Expungement Laws
Expungement laws in New York offer a path to clearing certain criminal records.
These laws can significantly impact your future opportunities and personal life.
The Concept of Expungement in New York
In New York, expungement is more accurately referred to as record sealing.
This process allows you to hide certain criminal convictions from public view, making them inaccessible to most employers and background checks.
Record sealing doesn’t erase your criminal history entirely.
Law enforcement and some government agencies can still access sealed records.
The benefits of record sealing are substantial.
It can improve your chances of securing employment, housing, and education opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria for Expungement
To be eligible for record sealing in New York, you must meet specific criteria.
Generally, you can apply to seal up to two eligible offenses, but only one can be a felony.
Eligible convictions typically include non-violent felonies and most misdemeanors.
Certain offenses, such as sex crimes and violent felonies, are usually ineligible.
You must wait at least 10 years from the date of conviction or release from incarceration before applying.
During this time, you should maintain a clean record.
It’s important to note that traffic infractions and violations are not eligible for sealing under current New York law.
Benefits of Hiring the Best Expungement Lawyer
Hiring a top expungement lawyer in New York can significantly improve your chances of clearing your criminal record.
These professionals offer critical advantages that can make a substantial difference in your case outcome.
Legal Expertise and Knowledge
Expungement attorneys possess in-depth knowledge of New York’s complex legal system.
They stay current with the latest laws and regulations affecting expungement cases.
This expertise allows them to accurately assess your eligibility for expungement.
You’ll receive guidance on which records can be sealed or expunged under current statutes.
Experienced lawyers can identify potential obstacles in your case and develop strategies to overcome them.
They understand the nuances of presenting your case in the most favorable light to increase your chances of success.
Navigating the Expungement Process
The expungement process can be intricate and time-consuming.
A skilled lawyer streamlines this process for you, handling all necessary paperwork and filings.
They ensure all required documents are completed accurately and submitted on time.
This attention to detail helps avoid delays or rejections due to technicalities.
Your attorney will represent you in court hearings if required, presenting compelling arguments on your behalf.
They can effectively communicate with prosecutors and judges, addressing any concerns that may arise.
Professional representation also lends credibility to your case, potentially influencing the court’s decision in your favor.
With expert guidance, you can navigate the expungement process more efficiently and with greater peace of mind.
Common Challenges in Expungement Cases
Expungement cases often face hurdles that can complicate the process.
Petitioners may encounter obstacles related to petition denials and documentation issues when seeking to clear their records.
Denial of Expungement Petitions
Expungement lawyers frequently deal with petition denials.
Courts may reject requests due to ineligibility based on the nature of the offense or timing requirements.
Some convictions, like violent felonies or sex crimes, are typically ineligible for expungement in New York.
You might face denial if you have pending charges or recent convictions.
The court also considers your overall criminal history when evaluating your petition.
A pattern of repeated offenses can work against you.
Overcoming a denial often requires legal expertise.
An experienced attorney can help you appeal the decision or explore alternative options like record sealing.
Incomplete Documentation
Gathering all necessary documents is crucial for a successful expungement petition.
Missing or incomplete paperwork is a common reason for delays or denials.
You’ll need to provide court records, arrest information, and proof of completed sentences or probation.
Obtaining these documents can be challenging, especially for older cases where records may be archived or hard to locate.
Character references and evidence of rehabilitation are also important.
These help demonstrate your personal growth and commitment to a law-abiding life since the conviction.
A skilled expungement attorney can guide you through the documentation process, ensuring all required materials are properly prepared and submitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Expungement in New York involves complex legal processes and regulations.
Understanding the eligibility criteria, timelines, and potential outcomes is crucial for those seeking to clear their criminal records.
What crimes cannot be expunged in New York?
New York does not offer true expungement.
Instead, it provides record sealing for certain offenses.
Violent felonies, sex offenses, and most serious felonies cannot be sealed. Drug-related convictions may be eligible for sealing under specific circumstances.
How long does the expungement process typically take in New York?
The record sealing process in New York can take several months to complete.
The exact duration depends on factors such as court backlogs, the complexity of your case, and the responsiveness of various agencies involved.
Is it possible to obtain a record expungement at no cost in New York?
While it’s possible to file for record sealing without a lawyer, it’s not recommended due to the complex nature of the process.
Some legal aid organizations may offer low-cost or pro bono services for eligible individuals.
After expungement, will a record still be visible on background checks in New York?
Once your record is sealed in New York, it will not appear in most background checks.
However, certain government agencies and law enforcement may still have access to sealed records under specific circumstances.
What are the eligibility criteria for expungement in New York?
To be eligible for record sealing in New York, you must have no more than two criminal convictions, only one of which can be a felony.
At least 10 years must have passed since your last conviction or release from incarceration.
Can an expungement be denied, and what are the common reasons for denial in New York?
Yes, a request for record sealing can be denied.
Common reasons include ineligibility due to the nature of the offense, insufficient time since the conviction, or having too many convictions on your record.
The court may also deny sealing if it determines it’s not in the interest of justice.