Do Criminal Convictions in Massachusetts Affect Jobs or Housing

Do Criminal Convictions in Massachusetts Affect Jobs or Housing?

A criminal conviction in Massachusetts can affect many parts of daily life, especially employment and housing. Employers, landlords, licensing agencies, and housing authorities may use background checks or Criminal Offender Record Information, commonly known as CORI, when making decisions.

A conviction does not automatically mean you will be denied a job or housing, but it can create real obstacles. The impact depends on the type of offense, how long ago it happened, whether the record has been sealed, the type of job or housing involved, and who is requesting the background check.

At The Law Offices of Elliot Savitz & Scott Bradley, we help clients understand not only the immediate criminal case, but also the long-term consequences a conviction may have on employment, housing, professional licensing, and future opportunities.

How Criminal Records Affect Employment in Massachusetts

Many employers in Massachusetts are allowed to request CORI or use background checks during the hiring process. CORI is a Massachusetts criminal record check that may show available Massachusetts arraignment and case information, depending on the requester’s level of access. You can review Mass.gov’s overview of Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information.

A criminal conviction may affect employment if the employer believes the offense is related to the job, the position involves vulnerable populations, the role requires a professional license, or the employer has legal or regulatory obligations. Convictions involving theft, violence, drugs, sex offenses, fraud, or firearms may raise concerns in certain industries, including education, healthcare, finance, security, childcare, transportation, and government work.

Massachusetts also has rules limiting how employers may ask about criminal history. For example, many employers cannot ask about criminal history on an initial written job application. However, employers may be able to ask about certain convictions later in the hiring process and may request CORI if they follow the required procedures. Mass.gov provides information about criminal record discrimination in the workplace.

How Criminal Records Affect Housing in Massachusetts

Criminal records can also affect housing applications. Landlords, property management companies, real estate agents, and public housing authorities may request CORI or use background checks when screening applicants, subject to Massachusetts rules. Massachusetts regulations specifically address CORI use in housing decisions. You can review 803 CMR 5.00: Criminal Offender Record Information – Housing.

A prior conviction may make it harder to secure housing, especially when the record involves violence, drug distribution, sex offenses, weapons, property damage, or conduct that a landlord believes could affect safety or property. Public or subsidized housing programs may also have specific rules that apply to certain criminal records.

That said, a criminal record does not always mean an applicant must be denied housing. The age of the offense, the type of record, rehabilitation, the applicant’s current circumstances, and the rules that apply to the landlord or housing authority may all matter.

Can Criminal Records Be Sealed in Massachusetts?

In some cases, yes. Massachusetts allows certain criminal records to be sealed after a waiting period. Sealing does not destroy the record, but it limits who can see it. For many employment and housing purposes, sealing can make a significant difference.

For many convictions, the general waiting period is:

• Misdemeanor: 3 years after conviction or release from incarceration, whichever is later
• Felony: 7 years after conviction or release from incarceration, whichever is later

Eligibility depends on the offense, the outcome of the case, whether there are other cases or convictions, and whether the record is excluded from sealing. Mass.gov provides guidance on how to find out if you can seal your criminal record.

Massachusetts law also provides that an applicant with a sealed record may answer “no record” when asked about prior arrests, criminal court appearances, or convictions in employment, housing, or occupational licensing applications. You can review Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, Section 100A.

Can an Expungement Remove a Criminal Record?

Expungement is different from sealing. Sealing limits access to the record, while expungement permanently destroys the record if the person qualifies. Expungement is generally more limited than sealing and depends on specific eligibility rules.

If you are unsure whether sealing or expungement may apply to your case, it is important to review the details with a criminal defense attorney before assuming you are or are not eligible.

Why Legal Help Matters

Fighting a criminal charge is not only about avoiding jail. It is also about protecting your future employment, housing, education, licensing, immigration status, and reputation. The way a case is handled early can affect whether you receive a conviction, whether alternatives are available, and whether you may later qualify for sealing or another form of relief.

At The Law Offices of Elliot Savitz & Scott Bradley, we represent clients facing criminal charges throughout Massachusetts and help them understand the short-term and long-term consequences of a criminal record.

If you are worried about how a criminal charge or conviction may affect your job, housing, or future opportunities, contact The Law Offices of Elliot Savitz & Scott Bradley today for guidance.