Sealing Criminal Records- Massachusetts

Massachusetts Criminal Record Lawyer

How do I Seal/ Expunge my Massachusetts Criminal Record?

Click Here to read my article that provides a detailed analysis of the new Record Sealing Law in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, once you are arraigned in court on a criminal charge, you automatically have a record. Even if the case is eventually dismissed, it’s still on your record and could appear on any routine background check. Fortunately, it is possible to have certain criminal records sealed. Currently, if you have a criminal conviction for a misdemeanor that is more than 10 years old, or a felony that is more than 15 years old (with a short list of exceptions), you can have this record sealed. Beginning on May 4, 2012, the new Massachusetts law takes effect which will allow for a shorter time to pass before records can be sealed- 5 years for misdemeanors and 10 years for felonies.

The new law will also make it easier to have cases that did not result in convictions sealed. Upon appropriate motion by an attorney, and if “substantial justice would best be served”, certain cases that resulted in a CWOF, dismissal, or nolle prosequi can now be sealed, without any waiting period at all. Once a record is sealed, any background check (other than by law enforcement, organizations that work with children, and firearms licensing authorities) will turn up as “no record” with respect to that record. Further, when asked on any school or employment application, including employment for public service, whether any criminal record exists, you may truthfully answer “no.” I look forward to using this law as a tool to help people move forward with their lives and become contributing, successful members of society.

If you have questions or would like to file a motion to have your Massachusetts criminal record sealed, contact my office for a free initial phone consultation:

Urbelis Law, LLC

50 Milk St 16th Floor
Boston, MA 02109
Phone: (617) 830-2188