• If you have an open case or warrant for prostitution or loitering in New York City or an open case or warrant for unlicensed practice of massage in Manhattan and want to find out if your case was part of this mass dismissal, or
• To confirm that your conviction for loitering has been sealed, or
• To find out whether a conviction that was a result of human trafficking is eligible to be dismissed or sealed,

Please contact Shakisha Vaughan at svaughan@legal-aid.org or Leigh Latimer at lelatimer@legal-aid.org.

In response to the loitering repeal, prosecutors in New York City moved to dismiss and seal certain cases charging prostitution-related offenses as follows:

Bronx
On March 8, 2021, open cases charging loitering for the purposes of prostitution were dismissed and ordered sealed. This includes cases in bench warrant status. 544 cases were dismissed.

Brooklyn
On January 29, 2021, and March 24, 2021, open cases charging prostitution or loitering for the purposes of prostitution were dismissed and ordered sealed. This includes cases in bench warrant status. 1,119 cases were dismissed.

Manhattan
On April 21, 2021, open cases charging prostitution, loitering for the purposes of prostitution, and unlicensed practice of massage were dismissed and ordered sealed. This includes cases in bench warrant status. 5,994 cases were dismissed.

Queens
On March 16, 2021, all open cases charging loitering for the purposes of prostitution and most charging prostitution were dismissed and ordered sealed. This includes cases in bench warrant status. 673 cases were dismissed.

Staten Island
On March 19, 2021, open cases charging loitering for the purposes of prostitution were dismissed and ordered sealed. This includes cases in bench warrant status. 13 cases were dismissed.

The information in this document has been prepared by The Legal Aid Society for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. You should not act upon any information without retaining professional legal counsel.