Sealing Criminal Records Boston Lawyer

If you were charged with a crime in Massachusetts, that crime is almost certainly listed on your criminal record (CORI), even if you weren’t convicted. These records can be seen by prospective employers and leasing agents when applying for housing. Luckily, Massachusetts law allows a pathway for people to ensure that past mistakes don’t ruin their futures. Under MGL c. 276, s. 100A, people with criminal records can file a petition to seal, which, if allowed, will prevent prospective employers and leasing agents from seeing portions of, or even your entire criminal record. Under the law, if you had a case end without a conviction, whether it was a result of a dismissal, an entry of nolle prosequi by the prosecutor, of a finding of ‘not guilty’ by either a judge or jury, you can file a petition to seal right away. If you were convicted of a misdemeanor, you can file a petition to seal 5 years after the conviction or the conclusion of any jail time that was served. If you were convicted of a felony, you can file a petition to seal 10 years after the conviction or the conclusion of any jail time that was served. Finally, if you were convicted of a sex offense, you can file a petition to seal 15 years after the conviction or the conclusion of any jail time that was served.

If you have a criminal record that you want to seal, contact DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C. today for a free consultation to see if you meet the guidelines set forth in the law.

Attorneys James G. DeGiacomo and Sergey Mikhlin will review your situation, file the necessary paperwork, and appear with you in court.

Call DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C. now at (617) 941-3666 for your FREE Case Evaluation.