Sealing a Criminal Record

Sealing a Criminal Record

Is Sealing a Criminal Record something you need to address to get a job, credit or housing?

Perhaps you have a minor offense on your record that happened years ago, when you were young and stupid, and now it is preventing you from getting certain jobs or housing or credit. Maybe it is also affecting your reputation with your family and friends, or even the community at large. If so, you may be able to get your record sealed so that it no longer affects your life.

Sealing a Criminal Record is not the same as expungement (erasing it). Massachusetts law does not allow for expungement (unless it was a matter of false identity), but it does allow your criminal record to be sealed, which means most employers, landlords and others will not be able to see your record when they do a CORI check.

Sealing a Criminal Record if you were not convicted

In cases where you have not been convicted, for example, you may have been given a CWOF (continuation without a finding), or you were acquitted at trial, or your case was nolle prosequi (no prosecution), or dismissed, then it is possible to petition the court to have your record sealed immediately. You will need to fill in the relevant petition forms, present a motion and/or affidavit. You may or may not be called for a hearing based on your petition.

Sealing a Criminal Record if you were convicted

If you have been convicted of a felony, then you will have to wait 10 years before your record can be sealed. A misdemeanor requires you to wait 5 years from the time you were found guilty or from the date of release from incarceration. In either case, you must not have been charged with another crime.

If you were found guilty of a sex offense, then you must wait 15 years after you were found guilty or after any jail or prison time or after you no longer need to register as a sex offender. The count starts from the later date. Sex offenders that are Level 2 or Level 3 cannot seal their record. You can also have a record sealed if what you were convicted of is no longer a crime in Massachusetts.

For advice on sealing your record, contact The Law Offices of Elliot Savitz & Scott Bradley. Our attorneys have helped clients across the state seal their records and get their life back on track. Your initial consultation is free, with absolutely no obligation.

TESTIMONIALS

“I really wanted to thank you so much. I cannot thank you enough. You were always there to fulfill whatever was required by the court.”
“Dear Elliot, Just a short note filled with heartfelt thanks for your help and support in my defense during my court appearance. I can’t begin to express how grateful I am knowing this foolish incident and its aftermath is finally over. Thank again, so very much.”
“I cannot begin to tell you how much I’ve appreciated your most sincere guidance & support. This has been one of the most difficult years we’ve been through with our son. We could not have hoped for a more positive outcome.”
“I wanted to thank you again. I’m at the end of my probation period. I could not have done it without you. You were such a great support. I just want to let you know I appreciated everything you did.”
“We were absolutely astonished and very grateful for how Elliot handled our son’s case and would highly recommend him to anyone who is in need of legal council!”
“I’m sitting here thinking about what a remarkable victory you pulled off. I just had to let you know that it was an outstanding victory. Well done.”
“Dear Elliot, People are not immune to the ‘fortune’ in their life. The bright side is that someone is out there to save them. You are the person saving my fate. You represent ‘integrity and justice.’ You are the best lawyer on earth.”
“Dear Mr Savitz, Thank you so much for all your hard work, as well as your persistence on my case. I really appreciate your sensitivity in dealing with me on this matter. I feel good about the outcome of my case and am grateful to you for resolving it quickly.”
“Thank you for representing me in court. Everything worked out for the better. I have been attending all my AA meetings, consulting at Catholic Charities and meeting with my probation officer. I haven’t had a drink since the day I went to court and everything is great at home.”

CONTACT US

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If you are facing criminal charges, call The Law Offices of Elliot Savitz & Scott Bradley, at (781) 974-3429.

We are available 24/7 and can assess your criminal charges over the phone to quickly determine your best course of action. Then, our law office will represent you in court as we fight together against your charges.

ATTORNEY CLIENT PRIVILEGE protects your conversation, so you can be open and honest with Attorneys Savitz & Bradley whatever the charge or charges. We are genuinely committed to protecting your rights and will always act in your best interest.