New York has 'sealing' laws (under CPL 160.59) for certain convictions after 10 years. New Jersey has a more robust 'expungement' process. Eligibility depends heavily on the specific charges and your timeline.

A target letter notifies you that you are the target of a federal grand jury investigation and likely to be indicted. If you receive one, do not speak to agents. Contact a federal defense attorney immediately to intervene before an indictment is returned.

Certain charges, particularly federal drug trafficking and crimes involving firearms (like 924(c)), carry mandatory minimums (e.g., 5, 10, or 20 years) that a judge cannot go below unless specific narrow exceptions apply.