New York state’s Clean Slate law doesn’t keep convictions sealed from everyone

The law allows convictions to be sealed — not expunged. Law enforcement officers, prosecutors and judges still have access to the records. If people reoffend, their criminal history can be taken into account in any new prosecution and sentence. 

“These records are not getting erased,” said Jillian E. Snider, an adjunct lecturer at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. 

Criminal records will remain available to those conducting background checks for jobs that require fingerprinting. These include jobs working in law enforcement or with vulnerable populations, such as children, people with disabilities and older adults. Ride-share companies will also have access to them to vet contractors, as will the state Education Department. The Department of Motor Vehicles and people who process pistol permit applications will still have access to sealed convictions.