New York Criminal Courts to Seal Accusatory Instruments for Eligible Youthful Offenders Automatically
New York Governor David A. Paterson has signed a bill into law amending Criminal Procedure Law § 720.15(1). The amendment authorizes criminal courts to seal an accusatory instrument filed against an eligible youthful offender automatically. This amendment eliminates any requirement for a formal application to seal the record of the accusatory instrument by permitting the court to seal the accusatory instrument sua sponte at arraignment. Automatic sealing of the accusatory instrument will help protect eligible youthful offenders from the stigma associated with alleged criminal conduct. Assemblyman O’Donnell and Senator Volker sponsored the bill. The senate bill number is S7124. The assembly bill number is A10502. The amendment is scheduled to take effect January 1, 2009 and apply to every action or proceeding commenced on or after that date.
