Cleaning Up Criminal Records: CJEI Event to Walk Through New Clean Slate Act

On Nov. 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Cornell ILR’s Criminal Justice and Employment Initiative (CJEI) will cohost an event at Tompkins County Public Library in Ithaca, NY, to educate the public on New York State’s upcoming Clean Slate Act. 

The Clean Slate Act is a new law that will automatically seal misdemeanors three years after conviction and felonies eight years after conviction or sentence. CJEI’s event, hosted in partnership with Legal Assistance of Western New York (Law NY), will educate attendees on the legislation and provide justice-impacted individuals the chance to have their criminal records reviewed by legal professionals. In addition, the event will bring city leaders together to address how the law impacts the communities they represent.

More than half of those eligible for Clean Slate sealings live in Upstate New York; however, the region severely lacks the reentry services needed by those looking to make the most of the Clean Slate Act. There is also a shortfall in information regarding the sealing process, eligibility, and exceptions. As the law goes into effect on Nov. 16, 2024, CJEI’s Nov. 18 event will guide the public through these complexities and connect them with the right resources to overcome past mistakes. 

“This law is a potential lifeline for people, but we’ve got to make that potential an actuality. It’s not enough just to have the law; we need to put it to work for people, so we’re hoping this event will give people access to resources in order to receive the full benefit of the law. It’s about providing a fair chance,” said Tim McNutt, director of CJEI. 

The event's community partners include Law NY, The Community Service Society of New York, The Alliance of Families for Justice, OAR of Tompkins County, Clean Slate New York and the Tompkins County Public Library.

Register to attend.