Massachusetts Criminal Record Sealing & Expungement Law Firm
If you have ever been charged with a crime in Massachusetts, that charge will appear on your criminal record (CORI) regardless of whether you were found guilty, not-guilty, received a CWOF or even if the case was dismissed entirely.
Luckily, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has enacted CORI laws which allow those individuals who have been charged or convicted of a criminal offense to petition to have their Criminal Record sealed. Given the far reaching consequences of having a criminal arrest or charge on your record, it is best to speak with an experienced Boston, Massachusetts Criminal Record Sealing Attorney as soon as possible regarding your situation.
Our Firm represents clients seeking to seal cases that resulted in a:
- Conviction (Guilty Finding)
- Dismissal
- Continued Without a Finding (CWOF)
- Pre-Trial Probation
- General Continuance
Expungement and Sealing Reform Law in Massachusetts
In 2018, Governer Baker signed into law an act to reform access to criminal records. The new law makes a number of changes to the existing law. Notably, the new CORI law reduces the waiting period for sealing convictions of both misdeomenor and felpny charges. In addition, the law created a very narrow category of cases which may be expunged.
In addition to the standards required to seal a criminal record, the new law requires that additional criteria be met in order to expunge any charge. In order to be eligible for an expungement, the charge must have occurred prior to the defendant’s 21st birthday and be the only charge appearing on the defendant’s CORI. The charge also must have occurred not less than 7 years before the request if a felony or not less than 3 years if a misdemeanor. Furthermore, there are many criminal offenses which are not eligible to be expunged (yet may be eligible for sealing).
At Caselden Law, our firm will closely evaluate your criminal record in order to determine if you are eligible for an expungement or a record seal.
Criminal Record Background Checks
Having a criminal record often impacts one’s life long after the case has been resolved – even if the charges were dismissed. Whether you are applying or interviewing for a job, college, housing, financial aid or embarking on any other endeavor, it is common for the company or school to conduct a criminal background check. As part of a background check, an employer may request access to your criminal offender record (CORI).
Our Boston Record Sealing / Expungement Law Firm is well versed in Massachusetts Law pertaining to criminal records and background checks and will fully explain your legal rights and options during every step of the process.
At Caselden Law, we work tirelessly to ensure that our clients’ petitions to seal their MA Criminal Records are carefully presented to the judge in order to achieve the best possible outcome.
Employment, College & Housing Applications After Sealing your Record
In Massachusetts, if your petition or motion to seal record is allowed, you may legally reply “no record” if questioned about prior arrests or criminal court appearances by a potential employer. In addition, if your petition to seal is allowed by the court, the sealed charge will no longer be listed on a standard criminal record (CORI) background check.
As a client of Caselden Law, our firm will fully explain your legal rights pertaining to CORI checks and applications for school and employment opportunities.
Depending on the nature of the charge, the disposition of the case, and the amount of time that has passed since the case has been resolved, there are two separate paths that a criminal record sealing petition may take. First, the Massachusetts Commissioner of Probation may be petitioned directly to seal the record under specific circumstances. Second, the Petition to Seal may be filed directly with the MA District Court, Superior Court, or Municipal Court where the case was heard and set up for a hearing in front of a judge. An experienced Boston Criminal Record Sealing Lawyer will be able to evaluate the details of your situation in order to petition the appropriate legal authority.
Boston, Massachusetts Motion to Seal Criminal Record | Expungement Law Firm
At Caselden Law, our Boston expungement / criminal record sealing law firm understands the importance of having your Massachusetts criminal record sealed. All too often, individuals are unfairly held back by past criminal charges and run into issues with financial aid, employment, college applications, housing, apartment rentals and many other undertakings. As a client of Caselden Law, your MA criminal defense lawyer will closely evaluate your situation and will carefully craft a legal strategy that is specifically tailored to the circumstances of your petition to seal.
Our firm takes a client focused approach to our legal practice. We pride ourselves on maintaining clear and consistent communication with our clients. Your CORI sealing attorney will examine your board of probation record and will advise you as to the most effective and efficient legal approach to having your Motion to Seal Adult Criminal Record allowed by the judge or Massachusetts Board of Probation.
If you are considering filing a Petition to Seal your Massachusetts Criminal Record, Contact Our Office to speak with an experienced and dedicated Boston criminal defense attorney about your criminal record.
Our firm handles all Massachusetts Criminal Record Sealing Cases on a Flat-Fee Basis.
Contact our office for a free and confidential case quote.
REQUEST A FREE RECORD SEALING OR EXPUNGEMENT CASE QUOTE
Fill out the form below to receive a free and confidential Flat-Fee Case Quote.