Legal Question in Criminal Law in New York

Please help !

I'm looking for an attorney who can either go through the processing to have my misdemeanor case sealed or help me go through the process of getting that done. It's been almost 5 years since I received the charge. Money is not an option in my case I'll pay whatever to have this thing sealed off my case. Would I need an attorney or is this something a lay person like myself can go and do alone?

I am available to meet with whom ever is interested in helping me. Thanks.


Asked on 11/10/05, 11:09 am

5 Answers from Attorneys
Valerie Masters Valerie Masters, P.A.

Re: Please help !

Let me recommend Neil Checkman at [email protected]. I don't have his number handy but he can be reached at that email and is in downtown NYC. He's fair and fantastic and tell him Valerie Masters froM Florida sent you. Lety me know how it goes. Valerie

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Answered on 11/10/05, 11:17 am

Re: Please help !

This is difficult to do. There is no statutory power for a judge to seal a misdemeanor conviction. However, a judge does have the inherent authority to do it. You have to meet a high burden. I have made these applications before. Please feel free to contact me by email. I am a former federal and state prosecutor in NYC and now do criminal defense work.

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Answered on 11/10/05, 11:20 am
Steven Czik CZIK LAW PLLC

Re: Please help !

While we cannot gurantee that the judge will seal the record, we do have experience with these matters and can assist you so that you have the greatest chance of obtaining a sealing order...this area of law does happen to be one of our specialties, however, we would need some more information before making a complete and proper determination. You are welcome to contact us for a free consultation.

Law Offices of

STEVEN J. CZIK

The Soho Building

110 Greene Street, Suite 1102

New York, New York 10012

212.413.4462

[email protected]

The information provided by The Law Offices of Steven J. Czik (LOSJC) is for general educational purposes only. There is no attorney-client relationship established by this communication and no privilege attaches to such communication. LOSJC is not taking and will not take any action on your behalf and will not be considered your attorney until both you and LOSJC have signed a written retainer agreement. There are strict deadlines, called statutes of limitation, within which claims or lawsuits must be filed. Therefore, if you desire the services of an attorney and decide not to retain LOSJC on terms acceptable to LOSJC, you are advised to immediately seek the services of another attorney

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Answered on 11/10/05, 1:25 pm
Robert Evans Robert S. Evans esq.

Re: Please help !

I have made motions to seal records and each case is different. The Judge has descretion as to whether they grant the motion to seal or not. Contact my office and we can discuss this further.

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Answered on 11/10/05, 5:08 pm
Andrew Nitzberg Andrew Nitzberg & Associates

Re: Please help !

No problem. I have done this before.

There are two issues before the court: (

1) was the conviction pursuant to a 'favorable disposition' of the case. This means, was there a trial? and

(2) will your lawyer be assertive with the judge. Judges by reflex deny these motions. But if a lawyer stands tall and gets the judge to listen, then often the judge will issue the order.

You are welcome to a consultation for no fee.

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Answered on 11/10/05, 5:24 pm


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