Records of the court proceeding are sealed, and records of the arrest are destroyed or returned when no charges are filed or a case terminates in the person's favor. N.Y. Crim. Proc. Law § 160.50.
(Cannot link directly to statutes.)
Ineligible Category or Citation
There is no statutory language regarding ineligible offenses.
Procedure General
The procedure is automatic. Upon termination of the case, the court record is sealed, and the clerk notifies the state Department of Criminal Justice Services and law enforcement agencies. For the specific procedure, see N.Y. Crim. Proc. Law § 160.50.
Fees
There is no statutory language regarding fees.
Effect
The arrest records are destroyed or returned to the person. The person is restored to pre-arrest status and need not disclose the arrest or prosecution, except in circumstances specifically authorized by statute or court. N.Y. Crim. Proc. Law § 160.60.
Waiting Periods
The records are returned upon disposition in favor of the defendant, unless the district attorney or the court gives the defendant at least five days notice. N.Y. Crim. Proc. Law § 160.50(1).
