Under CPL 160, any eligible offense may be sealed ONLY after at least how many years have passed since the imposition of the sentence on the defendant's latest conviction?

Under CPL 160, any eligible offense may be sealed ONLY after at least how many years have passed since the imposition of the sentence on the defendant's latest conviction?

• A. 5 years
• B. 10 years
• C. 15 years
• D. 20 years

Answer: (B)

The concept being tested is the waiting period required to seal eligible offenses under CPL 160.59. For most offenses that qualify, you must wait ten years from when the sentence was imposed on the latest conviction before you can seek to seal the record. This ten-year clock starts at the sentencing date for that most recent conviction, and the period is meant to reflect a substantial stretch of time with no new disqualifying offenses. After that period, a petition to seal can be filed if other eligibility criteria are met. Some offenses are not eligible for sealing, and the sealing process is not automatic even after the waiting period.

The concept being tested is the waiting period required to seal eligible offenses under CPL 160.59. For most offenses that qualify, you must wait ten years from when the sentence was imposed on the latest conviction before you can seek to seal the record. This ten-year clock starts at the sentencing date for that most recent conviction, and the period is meant to reflect a substantial stretch of time with no new disqualifying offenses. After that period, a petition to seal can be filed if other eligibility criteria are met. Some offenses are not eligible for sealing, and the sealing process is not automatic even after the waiting period.