CON’S ‘CLEAN SLATE’

Asks ‘record’ seal

A former Manhattan drug dealer who turned away from the criminal life is hoping that a judge will give him a chance at redemption.

Invoking a new law that gives reformed New Yorkers a chance at a clean slate, lawyers for Joel Figueroa argue that he has earned an opportunity to advance himself.

The sealing request for his 2001 conviction for felony attempted drug sale is the first to be filed since Gov. Cuomo signed the bill in April, according to attorneys Ed Kratt and Frank Rothman.

“He came from a pretty tough neighborhood and clearly had some challenges in his life,” Kratt said. “It wasn’t surprising he got into drugs.”

The lawyers called Figueroa’s post-conviction achievements “nothing short of outstanding,” arguing that he is fully “dedicated to helping less fortunate children and families in the City of New York.”

Figueroa earned a bachelor’s degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and now works for Metropolitan Family Services where he helps children in foster care. But the lawyers argue that his career has stalled because of his record.

His employer will grant him a promotion only if his conviction is expunged, according to the filing.

“At this point, his move up the ladder is being stymied by his conviction, but once it’s sealed he’ll have an opportunity to excel,” Kratt said.

Figueroa, who also worked as a family counselor for Catholic Charities of New York, hasn’t run afoul of the law since his conviction, the papers state.

Justice Arlene Goldberg, who sentenced Figueroa to five months of probation, will rule on the motion in the coming months.

The courts can seal up to two convictions after a 10year waiting period from the date of conviction — but only one can be a felony, according to the Governor’s Office.

Violent felonies and sex crimes are not eligible under the new law that went into effect Oct. 7.

“Law-abiding New Yorkers should not be forever branded with the stigma of a nonviolent criminal conviction when they have turned their lives around,” Cuomo said in a statement.

Kratt and Rothman, who have a criminal-defense firm, have launched a niche service catering to New Yorkers who want to take advantage of the new law.