Do Criminal Convictions in Massachusetts Affect Jobs or Housing

A criminal conviction in Massachusetts can affect nearly every aspect of daily life — especially when it comes to employment and housing. Employers and landlords regularly run background checks, and convictions often appear in those records. That means even a misdemeanor can create barriers, while a felony may severely restrict your opportunities. At The Law Offices of Elliot Savitz & Scott Bradley, we work with clients not only to fight charges in court but also to help them understand the long-term consequences a conviction can carry.

How Criminal Records Affect Employment in Massachusetts

Most employers in Massachusetts are allowed to conduct Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) checks. This system provides access to certain criminal records, including convictions, pending charges, and, in some cases, sealed cases.

Employers cannot ask about arrests that did not result in conviction, but they can see convictions that remain on your record. A conviction for theft, assault, drug crimes, or sex offenses may lead to lost job opportunities, revoked professional licenses, or exclusion from certain industries, such as education, healthcare, or financial services.

Massachusetts does have “ban the box” laws, which prevent employers from asking about criminal history on an initial job application. However, once you reach the interview stage, many employers will still ask about convictions and may run a CORI check before hiring.

How Criminal Records Affect Housing in Massachusetts

Landlords, property management companies, and even public housing authorities may use background checks as part of their rental application process. Convictions for violent crimes, drug distribution, or sex offenses can make it much harder to secure an apartment. In some cases, a prior record may even disqualify applicants from public or subsidized housing programs.

Even when private landlords are not legally required to deny housing, many choose to do so when they see a criminal record. This makes it more difficult for individuals with past convictions to rebuild stability after serving their sentence.

Can Criminal Records Be Sealed in Massachusetts?

In some cases, yes. Massachusetts law allows certain criminal convictions to be sealed after a waiting period, meaning they are no longer visible on most CORI checks. For misdemeanors, the waiting period is typically three years after the case is closed, and for felonies it is seven years. However, sex offenses, crimes against children, and certain violent offenses cannot usually be sealed.

Sealing a record can make a major difference in securing employment and housing, because sealed cases generally do not appear in the standard background checks employers and landlords run. For more detail, see our upcoming article on [Sealing a Criminal Record in Massachusetts].

Why Legal Help Matters

At The Law Offices of Elliot Savitz & Scott Bradley, we understand that fighting a criminal charge is not just about avoiding jail — it is about protecting your future. Whether you are worried about employment, housing, or your reputation, we can advise you on defense strategies, sealing options, and long-term planning to minimize the impact of a criminal record.