Legal Question in Criminal Law in New York

the meaning of disposition

Six months ago, I was arrested for petit larceny and went to court . I was told that it would be dismissed and exsponged after six months. I just picked up my disposition and it states ''Dismissed after adjournment under cpl section 170.55.'' Could you tell me if that means exsponged?

We are trying to adopt overseas. When I get fingerprinted by INS for adoption purposes, will they be informed of my arrest? I anxiously await. please email me with an answer or phone me @ (516)639-2228. Thank you


Asked on 1/11/06, 7:44 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Andrew Nitzberg Andrew Nitzberg & Associates

Re: the meaning of disposition

Dismissed means that you are, legally, 'not guillty'.Being not guilty, the arrest is sealed. You have the right to answer 'no' to any question about arrests.

I would recommend that you answer "yes, but it was a mistake and they apologized and the charges were dismissed." But that is me.

You have the legal right to state that you have never been arrested and the action has been 'sealed' - it will not show up under an inquiry to the courts.

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Answered on 1/11/06, 9:49 pm


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