In New York State, it is illegal to deny somebody a job based solely on a criminal record. The first resource on this page is a brief overview of Employment Law & Criminal Records in New York, covering Federal, State, and City protections. Further resources include a guide to challenging discrimination; a link to the New York State Division of Human Rights; information about criminal record-based restrictions on employment and licenses in certain fields; and information about criminal records and military enlistment. More information can be found in the Reentry Net library by following the links at the bottom of the page.

Resources

Employment Law & Criminal Records in New York State

Overview prepared by the Legal Aid Society of New York for the "On the Front Lines" conference, March 2010.

Employment Discrimination and What To Do About It (Legal Action Center)

Guide for New York counselors of individuals in recovery from alcohol and drug dependence, and ex-offenders.

New York State Division of Human Rights: How to File an Employment Discrimination Claim

Instructions on filing claims of employment discrimination based on criminal record.

2006 New York State Occupational Licensing Survey (Legal Action Center)

Information about restrictions placed on licensure of individuals with criminal records and about the procedures available to appeal a denial of licensure, registration, or certification based on criminal history.

Reference Chart for Healthcare Agency Criminal History Background Checks for Applicants for Employment in Home Health Care (Legal Action Center)

Background check procedures for applicants to various healthcare agencies.

US Navy and Marine Corps: Criminal History Disqualifications

Overview of the impact of criminal history and records on eligibility for the Navy and Marine Corps.

[Library Folder] Sample Letters to Employers

A collection of sample letters explaining protections for job seekers with criminal records, presenting Certificates of Relief, disputing unlawful termination...

[Library Folder] Employment, Licensing, and Agency-Level Denials

A link to the Reentry Net folder containing employment resources specific to a number of careers or agencies.