New York City Record Sealing Attorneys (CPL 160.59)

Reviewed: May 28, 2026

New York City is the largest city in the United States, and it handles the largest volume of CPL 160.59 record-sealing petitions in New York State. NYC has five boroughs — each with its own Criminal Court and District Attorney — but all sealing petitions under CPL 160.59 go to the court in the borough where the conviction occurred. Sealing does not erase the record; it hides it from most public searches and most private-sector background checks while preserving law enforcement access.

At a glance

✓ File in Criminal Court of the borough of conviction (misdemeanor) or Supreme Court (felony)
✓ All 5 borough DAs review CPL 160.59 petitions — each has its own practice and timeline
✓ Free help: CUNY Law CLEAR Project, City Bar Justice Center, Legal Aid Society, NYLAG
✓ Waiting period: 10 crime-free years from sentence or release; up to 2 convictions sealed
✓ Timeline: 6–12 months due to NYC court backlogs

Important: This page provides general legal information about expungement and record sealing laws. It is not legal advice for your specific situation. Eligibility rules vary by state, county, and individual circumstances. Always consult a licensed attorney before taking any legal action.

Which court handles your CPL 160.59 petition in NYC

For misdemeanor convictions, the petition is filed in the Criminal Court of the City of New York in the borough of conviction: New York County (Manhattan), Kings County (Brooklyn), Queens County, Bronx County, or Richmond County (Staten Island). For felony convictions, the petition goes to the Supreme Court in the county of conviction. If you were convicted of both a felony and a misdemeanor, the felony court (Supreme Court) handles both.

Each borough's Criminal Court has its own filing procedures. You must obtain a certified copy of your judgment of conviction and file the sealing petition along with a supporting affirmation. The district attorney's office in the same borough is served and has 45 days to submit a written response.

District attorney offices and the sealing process in NYC

The five borough district attorney offices — Manhattan DA (DANY), Brooklyn DA (Kings County), Queens DA, Bronx DA, and Staten Island DA (Richmond County) — each handle CPL 160.59 petitions separately. The Manhattan DA's office has a formal review process and has supported sealing in many cases where the petitioner demonstrates rehabilitation and employment need. The Brooklyn DA has run Clean Slate sealing initiatives through community partnerships.

Because CPL 160.59 is discretionary, the DA's response to your petition matters. A well-prepared petition — including a detailed affirmation about your life since conviction, letters of support, employment history, and evidence of rehabilitation — gives the judge the information needed to grant relief even if the DA opposes.

Free record-sealing help in New York City

The CLEAR Project at CUNY School of Law (Queens) offers free CPL 160.59 sealing assistance to low-income NYC residents. The City Bar Justice Center (Manhattan Bar Association) runs record-sealing clinics for New York City residents. The Legal Aid Society and Brooklyn Defender Services both have reentry units that assist with sealing petitions. The Bronx Defenders serve Bronx County residents. New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) is an additional citywide resource.

Statutes cited

New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59 (Sealing of criminal records) — N.Y. CPL § 160.59
New York Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 (Automatic sealing — non-conviction) — N.Y. CPL § 160.50

Frequently asked questions

Which court do I file my sealing petition in for a New York City conviction?

Misdemeanor sealings go to the Criminal Court in the borough of conviction. Felony sealings go to the Supreme Court in the county of conviction. You cannot file in a different borough than where the conviction occurred.

Does the NYC DA oppose CPL 160.59 sealing petitions?

It depends on the borough and the case. Manhattan and Brooklyn DAs have generally supported sealing for many non-violent offenses when the petitioner demonstrates rehabilitation. A well-prepared petition with supporting evidence significantly improves outcomes across all five boroughs.

Is there free help to seal a record in NYC?

Yes — the CLEAR Project at CUNY Law, the City Bar Justice Center, the Legal Aid Society, Brooklyn Defender Services, the Bronx Defenders, and NYLAG all offer free or low-cost sealing assistance. Income eligibility typically applies.

How long does CPL 160.59 sealing take in New York City?

NYC courts are busy. From filing to a decision, most uncontested petitions take 6 to 12 months. The DA's 45-day response window, court scheduling backlogs, and the need for a court hearing all add to the timeline.

Find an expungement attorney in New York

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