What a disposition records
The disposition is the final outcome of each charge: a conviction by plea or verdict, an acquittal, a dismissal, or a resolution such as an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal that ends in dismissal later. A case can have different dispositions for different charges, and a conviction may be for a lesser offense than the one at arrest. The record also typically notes the sentence. Records sometimes contain errors or fail to reflect that a case was later dismissed or sealed, which can cause problems years afterward on a background check. Knowing exactly what the record says, charge by charge, is the starting point for any application that asks about criminal history.
Getting the official document
In New York, the document people usually need is a certificate of disposition, issued by the clerk of the court where the case was handled. Agencies such as immigration authorities and licensing boards commonly ask for it, and some want a certified copy. If a case was sealed, obtaining the record can take additional steps, such as proof of identity or a request through counsel, and the person who was charged generally has access to their own sealed records. New York's Clean Slate law provides for automatic sealing of many older convictions after a waiting period, and its implementation has been rolling out in stages, so the current status of any record should be checked directly. A copy of your own criminal history on file with the state can also be requested to see what is actually there.
When the disposition affects what comes next
Some people need a disposition because they are applying for naturalization, a green card, a professional license, or a job, and the way they describe the case on an application matters as much as the record itself. Sealing in New York does not bind every agency, and federal immigration authorities in particular may expect full disclosure. If a disposition looks wrong, or if the outcome is one that may be worth revisiting, there may be options such as correcting the record, seeking sealing, or in some situations asking the court to vacate the conviction. In a first meeting we review the record with you, explain what each entry means, and discuss how to answer questions about it accurately.
