Set The Record Straight

Set The Records Straight is a project designed to ensure that juvenile delinquency arrest-related records are treated confidentially and that youth arrested for juvenile delinquencies do not face unlawful discrimination.

Don’t Let a Record Hold You Back

It is estimated that over 400,000 juveniles have been arrested in New York City since 2006 and, in 2022 alone, more than 4,000 minors were arrested. Many of these individuals face later barriers to employment, education, housing, and other opportunities as a result of their juvenile record.

The Legal Aid Society’s Set the Record Straight Initiative (STRS) aims to provide people with juvenile adjudications with opportunities to access legal assistance in sealing or expunging their juvenile cases. In addition, STRS aims to spread knowledge to people who have had juvenile cases under the age of 18, including their rights regarding how to answer questions about juvenile records and criminal convictions in employment, education, housing, and other applications. With the STRS initiative, residents in New York can have the same equal opportunity in life as someone who hasn’t come across the juvenile system.

Am I Eligible for Assistance?

You may be eligible for Set The Record Straight assistance if:

You were arrested as a teen
Your case was in Family Court
You want your record sealed
You have employment questions related to your juvenile arrest history

What Actions Can a Legal Aid Attorney Take?

Legal Aid attorneys may be able to help:

Resolve errors in juvenile arrest histories
File motions to seal arrest records
Counsel youth on sealing, confidentiality, and expungement laws
Advocate for clients facing unlawful employment discrimination due to their JD arrest history.

Contact

For more information about STRS or to refer someone for our services call 646-597-4440 or email strs@legal-aid.org.