A Massachusetts criminal record — even for charges that were dismissed — can affect your employment, housing, and professional licenses for years. Sealing and expungement are two distinct legal tools that can give you a clean slate. Here is exactly how they work.
The Difference Between Sealing and Expungement in Massachusetts
The record still exists but is hidden from most background checks. Law enforcement can still see it. You do not have to disclose sealed records to most employers. The most common option for Massachusetts residents.
The record is physically destroyed — it no longer exists anywhere. Available only for specific charges under Massachusetts law, primarily for charges that were dismissed or never resulted in conviction, and for juvenile records.
Massachusetts Record Sealing — Waiting Periods and Eligibility
Massachusetts allows you to petition to seal your record after the following waiting periods from the date of your conviction or the end of your sentence, whichever is later:
- Misdemeanor convictions: 3 years
- Felony convictions: 7 years
- CWOF (continued without a finding): 3 years after the CWOF period ends
- Dismissed charges: Immediately eligible in most cases
Certain offenses — including sex offenses requiring registration and some firearm offenses — cannot be sealed.
Massachusetts Expungement — Who Qualifies?
Massachusetts expanded expungement eligibility in 2018. You may qualify for expungement if your charge meets all of these conditions: you were under 21 at the time of the offense, the offense occurred before January 1, 2019, the charge would not be a felony today, and you have no other criminal record. Expungement is also available for charges based on misidentification or errors.
How to Seal Your Massachusetts CORI Record
To seal a Massachusetts criminal record, you file a petition with the commissioner of probation. For court appearances, you file with the court where the case was heard. The process can take several months. Attorney Clifford handles record sealing and expungement petitions for clients across Massachusetts — ensuring every eligible record is addressed properly.
Frequently Asked Questions — Massachusetts Record Sealing
Sealing makes a record inaccessible to most employers and landlords on standard background checks. It does not destroy the record — law enforcement can still see it. Expungement actually destroys the record, but has stricter eligibility requirements.
Yes. A CWOF is sealable after 3 years from the end of the probation period. After sealing, it will not appear on standard employment background checks. Attorney Clifford advises every CWOF client on their sealing timeline from the start of the case.
A CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) is Massachusetts criminal record — it contains every arrest, charge, and disposition regardless of outcome. Employers can access your CORI under certain circumstances. Sealing and expungement limit employer access.
A Massachusetts record sealing petition typically takes 2–4 months to process. Attorney Clifford handles the entire petition process for clients, ensuring all eligible records are sealed as quickly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sealing makes a record inaccessible to most employers on standard background checks. It does not destroy the record — law enforcement can still see it. Expungement actually destroys the record but has stricter eligibility.
Yes. A CWOF is sealable after 3 years from the end of the probation period. After sealing, it will not appear on standard employment background checks.
A CORI is your Massachusetts criminal record — every arrest, charge, and disposition. Employers can access your CORI in certain circumstances. Sealing and expungement limit employer access.
A sealing petition typically takes 2–4 months to process. Attorney Clifford handles the entire petition process for clients.