NEW YORK -A new state law wipes criminal records clean for millions of people in New York.
Starting today, the criminal records of nearly 2.5 million New Yorkers will be automatically sealed under certain background checks. The new law stipulates that felonies will be sealed three years after conviction or release, and misdemeanors will be sealed after eight years.
Any cases with pending criminal charges, probation or parole are ineligible. Sex crimes, murder and other serious non-drug crimes will remain public record, and the law will not apply to federal crimes or convictions in other states.
Under the new law, police investigations, legal proceedings and employers in sensitive sectors or fields will still have access to sealed documents.
Supporters say it will fill jobs and help the economy, but not everyone thinks it’s a good idea.
‘There must be redemption’
Officials say this will open doors for employment.
“From sealing convictions for individuals who have served their time, paid their dues, stayed out of trouble and want to be part of our local economy,” said State Senator Zellnor Myrie.
Bronx resident Dion Johnson says that after serving nearly four years in prison and then being released on parole, he still felt like he had to pay for his past mistakes.
“I went through that whole process, all that trauma, right? And I paid the price,” he said.
Two years ago, a background check showed he went to jail for possessing an illegal firearm, so he was fired from his job as a janitor.
“I felt defeated…carrying that stigma,” he said.
He says if the Clean Slate Act had been in effect at the time, things would have been different.
Takeasha Newtown now works for the Legal Aid Society, but was once in prison.
“We all make mistakes, but that shouldn’t stop us from finding work,” she said.
“People need to be held accountable when they break the law, but there also needs to be redemption,” said Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez.
Opponents call new law ‘dangerous’
This was not an easy victory for supporters, who have been fighting to pass the law since 2019.
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the legislation last November, but there are still plenty of opposing views.
“The reason this law is dangerous is because it makes it automatic for everyone, whether they want to change their lives or not,” said Assembly Member Michael Tannousis.
Tannousis says documents should be sealed on a case-by-case basis.
Johannes Dias
