The Wall Street Journal reported on The Legal Aid Society’s efforts – in conjunction with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, fellow defender organizations, and other groups – to seal dated, low-level marijuana convictions for over 300 New Yorkers in Manhattan. Sealing minimizes the collateral damage caused by criminal convictions, which can be wide-ranging and persistent, and impede access to employment, housing, and other basic rights.

“Having even a low-level misdemeanor conviction can prevent people from finding work and getting work. It’s very demoralizing,” said Emma Goodman, Staff Attorney with the Special Litigation Unit at The Legal Aid Society.

Learn more about The Legal Aid Society’s Case Closed Project that works to seal and expunge criminal records. Use our online questionnaire to help determine your eligibility to have a record sealed.