Criminal Records & Sealing

If you have been arrested for an offense, there is a record of it. Learn where records are kept and who can see them. Find out what to do if there is a mistake on your record. Learn which records are sealed from public view. If your criminal history record can’t be sealed, visit Getting Your Rights Back.

Criminal Records Basics
Find out where criminal records are kept. Learn how to get your record of arrest and prosecution (RAP). Get links to FBI and court system records.

Sealed Criminal Records
Learn which criminal records are fully, partially and conditionally sealed, or closed from the public.

Sealed Records: Good Result
Criminal records are automatically fully sealed when you get a favorable disposition – a good result. Learn what a good result means.

Sealed Records: Violations & Infractions
Most traffic infractions and violations are automatically partially sealed. Learn which ones are sealed.

Criminal Records: Correcting a Mistake (CPL §§ 160.50 and 160.55)
Sometimes criminal records that should have been sealed are not. Learn what to do to correct a mistake.

Sealed Records: After 10 Years (CPL 160.59)
If you have no more than two misdemeanor convictions or one felony and one misdemeanor conviction, you may be eligible to have those convictions sealed after a 10 year waiting period.

Sealed Records: Drug-Related Cases (CPL 160.58)
Some drug-related felony and misdemeanor convictions can be conditionally sealed if you have completed a drug treatment program. See if you qualify and learn how to ask the Court to seal your records.