Getting a Pardon or Expungement in the State of NY.

[Sojourner1947]

In 1964 I was arrested & charged with 3rd degree burglary charges. The Judge stipulated that my "criminal record" will be sealed because I was a Youthful offender. Since then I've moved to CA, finished my education, served my country as an Infantry soldier, got married & became a proud father of 3 sons & 1 daughter. Now I'm the proud Grandfather of 9 and Great Grandfather of one.

Having had a very good career, I choose now to live in North Western Pennsylvania (very rural) in retirement. In short, I've led a very clean and honest life for the last 47 years.

Recently, I tried to purchase a fire arm so that I may be able to hunt. I was totally mortified & humiliated when told I had a criminal record.
How can I get this ugly nasty to go away permanently. Still would like to go hunting and buy a fire arm. Thank you for your time.

[AFFA]

I wish to inform you that Article 720 deals with Youthful Offender. The documents were sealed under the provisions of Section 720.15. They were sealed only for the public and not the law enforcement agencies. Now, you have moved to PA. In PA, the right to hold firearms can be restored by seeking a pardon at any time after the sentence for the conviction is over. Further, after 70 years of age you can apply for expungement of the criminal proceedings. Under the provisions of recent legislation you can apply for expungement after 5 years in case of summary conviction. Right to firearms can also be restored through court. In the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in the case of LOUIS A. PONTARELLI v. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, et al. NO. 98-5081 the right to carry firearms was restored.

AFF