Mission Statement

The collateral consequences of criminal prosecutions are growing in number, scope and duration. These consequences are frequently hidden, making it extremely difficult for judges, practitioners and the public they serve to fully appreciate what lies ahead.

Our mission is to create an online collaborative forum where judges, lawyers and scholars can learn more about collateral consequences.  Here, you will find high-quality content managed by experts in the major areas of New York law where collateral consequences occur. By sharing information and expertise, we seek to educate ourselves and facilitate the making of fully informed choices.

Overview

Unseen and often devastating, the collateral consequences of criminal prosecutions loom as a specter that bedevils efforts at appropriate sentencing and competent counseling.  Unlike the explicitly articulated direct consequences of criminal convictions, such as prison terms, parole eligibility or fines, collateral consequences lay largely hidden and unspoken, usually until it is too late.

While many collateral consequences attach as a result of felony conviction in New York, a surprising variety take hold following far less serious entanglements with the criminal justice system.  Misdemeanor convictions, and even mere arrest, can result in severe and far-reaching ramifications.

Collateral consequences are in large part difficult to address because they exploit the specialization that has become a hallmark of our profession. These consequences occur across a staggering array of substantive legal fields, confounding the ability of criminal jurists, practitioners and the public they serve to appreciate fully all relevant repercussions.

Interest in collateral consequences has boomed since the 1990's. Through this site, you can learn and share information that can lead to more just results.