# Criminal Record Help Resources - New York ## National Resources - **National Expungement Works (NEW)** - **Website:** [https://www.nationalexpungementworks.org/](https://www.nationalexpungementworks.org/) - **Description:** Provides assistance with expungement, record sealing, and other legal services for individuals with criminal records. Offers free events, workshops, and connections to local resources. - **Legal Aid Hotline: Legal Aid Society of the U.S.** - **Phone:** 1-888-988-9996 - **Website:** [https://www.legalaid.org/](https://www.legalaid.org/) - **Description:** Offers free legal advice and services, including support for expungements and criminal record assistance. ## Statewide Criminal Record Help Services - **New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)** - **Phone:** 1-800-262-3257 - **Website:** [https://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/](https://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/) - **Services Provided:** Offers resources for individuals seeking to seal criminal records, understanding eligibility, and navigating the legal process. - **The Legal Aid Society - New York Statewide Services** - **Phone:** 1-888-663-6880 - **Website:** [https://www.legalaidnyc.org/](https://www.legalaidnyc.org/) - **Services Provided:** Statewide guidance on expungement and sealing records, legal representation, and reentry programs. ## Regional Criminal Record Help Services ### New York City - **The Legal Aid Society - NYC** - **Phone:** 1-888-663-6880 - **Website:** [https://www.legalaidnyc.org/](https://www.legalaidnyc.org/) - **Office Location:** 199 Water Street, New York, NY 10038 - **Specialized Services:** Legal assistance for sealing records, reentry services, and workshops for job placement and housing. ### Buffalo - **Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO)** - **Phone:** 716-842-6320 - **Website:** [https://ceoworks.org/](https://ceoworks.org/) - **Office Location:** 170 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202 - **Specialized Services:** Helps individuals with criminal records reenter the workforce, offering employment services and assistance with record sealing. ### Albany - **Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York** - **Phone:** 1-800-462-2922 - **Website:** [https://www.lasnny.org/](https://www.lasnny.org/) - **Office Location:** 95 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12206 - **Specialized Services:** Provides free legal aid for expungement, sealing records, and reentry support. ## How to Start the Process 1. **Eligibility Check:** Visit the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services website for information on eligibility for record sealing or expungement. - [Eligibility Information](https://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/) 2. **Required Documents:** - Criminal record or rap sheet from DCJS - Government-issued ID - Any supporting documentation related to your case (e.g., court orders, certificates of rehabilitation). 3. **Where to File:** - Submit applications at the court where the conviction occurred or contact a legal aid service to assist with the process. ## Online Legal Aid & Support - **LawHelpNY** - **Website:** [https://www.lawhelpny.org/](https://www.lawhelpny.org/) - **Features:** Provides free online resources, guides, and access to legal aid organizations for expungement and record sealing. - **RecordGone** - **Website:** [https://www.recordgone.com/](https://www.recordgone.com/) - **Features:** Online tools for determining eligibility, preparing expungement documents, and legal consultations. ## Additional Resources - **The Fortune Society** - **Phone:** 1-212-691-7554 - **Website:** [https://fortunesociety.org/](https://fortunesociety.org/) - **Services Provided:** Offers comprehensive reentry services, including housing, employment, and assistance with criminal record sealing. --- _Updated as of December 29, 2024. For updates or corrections, please contact the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services._