QUEENS CERTIFICATE OF DISPOSITION

Secure the court document that can unlock your immigration status, professional license, or dream job—take action today.

Your future—whether it’s a job, a license, or a green card—often hinges on a single document: the Queens Certificate of Disposition (CoD). This isn’t just a piece of paper; it’s the court’s official word on your case, dictating how employers, regulators, and immigration officials perceive you. Unlike background checks or arrest abstracts, the CoD carries the court’s embossed seal, making it the gold standard for proving what happened—dismissal, conviction, or sealing. Below, I’ll walk you through why it matters, how to get it, and how to avoid pitfalls that could delay or derail your plans.

Why the CoD Matters: Your Record, Your Reputation

The CoD lists every charge, plea, sentence, and outcome in your case—whether it was a misdemeanor, felony, or violation. It’s the only document trusted by:

• USCIS for immigration applications (e.g., I-485 or naturalization).

• FINRA for financial licenses.

• State boards for professional credentials (nursing, teaching, etc.).

• Employers running background checks.

Without it, agencies assume the worst. For example, a client’s I-485 was nearly denied because she submitted an arrest abstract instead of a CoD. Once she provided the Queens CoD showing a dismissal, USCIS approved her case in weeks. The CoD cuts through rumors and outdated databases, ensuring your record speaks for itself.

Where to Go: Navigating Queens’ Court Maze

Queens houses two courts at 125-01 Queens Boulevard, Kew Gardens, and knowing which one handles your case is critical:

• Queens Criminal Court (ground floor, currently Room G-64): Handles misdemeanors, violations, summonses, and Desk Appearance Tickets.

• Queens Supreme Court, Criminal Term (upstairs, Room E121): Manages felony indictments.

Walk into the wrong room, and you’ll lose time. Signs are inconsistent, so confirm your case type (misdemeanor or felony) before you go. Both courts require:

• Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or consular ID).

• Docket or indictment number (from arrest papers or eCourts).

• $10 fee per incident (cash or USPS money order; no cards or checks).

Missing any of these? You’ll be turned away.

How to Get Your CoD: Three Proven Methods

1. In-Person: Fastest for Locals

• When: Tuesday or Wednesday before noon (lines are shortest).

• Where: Criminal Court (Room G-64) for misdemeanors; Supreme Court (Room E121) for felonies.

• Process: Clear security, fill out a half-page request form, and submit your ID, docket number, and $10. Misdemeanor CoDs are often ready in 30–90 minutes. Felonies may take until the next business day.

• Pro Tip: Arrive by 10 a.m. to avoid the lunch-hour rush. Check the CoD for errors before leaving.

2. Mail-In: Ideal for Out-of-State Clients

• Steps: Download the NYS CoD form, attach a photocopy of your ID, notarize your signature, include a $10 USPS money order, and mail to:
  Queens Supreme Court, Criminal Term – Correspondence Unit
  Room E121, 125-01 Queens Blvd., Kew Gardens, NY 11415

• Turnaround: 3–10 business days, plus USPS delivery. Use a self-addressed stamped envelope and track your package.

• Pro Tip: Double-check postage—underpaid envelopes get shelved.

3. Courier: High-Speed for Tight Deadlines

• When to Use: Facing a FINRA audit, USCIS deadline, or job offer.

• Process: Hire a court-authorized courier (per Administrative Order 270/21). They verify your ID via video, file in person, and deliver the CoD in 24–48 hours.

• Cost: Courier fees vary but are worth it when time is money.

Special Cases: Sealed Records and Fee Waivers

Sealed Cases

If your case was sealed under CPL § 160.50, you’ll need:

• A notarized consent letter (or your attorney’s Notice of Appearance).

• Possible 24-hour judicial review for felonies.
  The CoD will only state “Sealed Case—CPL 160.50,” protecting your privacy while satisfying agencies.

Fee Waivers

Can’t afford the $10? Bring an EBT card, Medicaid letter, or SSI award, and the fee is waived. If you have assigned counsel, they can request it free with a letter on official letterhead.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

1. Wrong Docket Number: Verify it on eCourts or your arrest paperwork.

2. Mismatched ID: Use a passport if your ID has a nickname.

3. Late Arrival: Certificate desks close at 3:30 p.m. sharp.

4. Open Warrants: Clear any warrants first, or your request is frozen.

5. Underpayment: Pay $10 per incident, not per court.

6. Unnotarized Third-Party Requests: Get the defendant’s notarized consent.

7. Multi-Borough Cases: If your case spans counties (e.g., Queens and Manhattan), get a CoD from each.

Strategic Timeline: From Request to Results

• Day 1: Gather your docket number and ID.

• Day 2: File in person or via courier; mail-in starts here.

• Day 3–4: Receive your CoD (in-person or courier). Audit for accuracy.

• Day 5–7: Submit to USCIS, FINRA, or HR with a cover letter citing the outcome (e.g., dismissal under CPL § 160.50).

Why Act Now?

Delays cost opportunities. A missing CoD can stall a citizenship application, revoke a professional license, or tank a job offer. Even after sealing or expungement, private background checks lag behind court records, but a CoD forces compliance under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Act fast, and you control the narrative.

How We Can Help

If you’re facing a deadline or a complex case—sealed records, multi-borough arrests, or warrant issues—our firm can step in. We leverage former prosecutors, court runners, and immigration experts to:

• Pull CoDs across all five boroughs in 24 hours.

• Audit documents for errors.

• Craft cover letters that align your CoD with regulatory requirements.

Contact us today to secure your CoD and protect your future.