Massachusetts: Adult Convictions (MA-C-1)

Records of a misdemeanor case may be sealed by the commissioner of probation three years after sentence completion, if petitioner meets specified criteria. ALM GL ch. 276, § 100A.

Record Detail(s)

Misdemeanor

Previous Conviction Disqualifying

Potentially, see statute

Mandatory / Discretionary

Mandatory

Hearing

No

Clearance Process

Petition-based

Remedy

Seal

Ineligible Category or Citation

See ineligble offenses at ALM GL ch 276, section 100A.

Procedure General

A petition form must be filed with the commissioner of probation. The petition can be mailed or hand-delivered. For the specific procedure, see ALM GL ch. 276, § 100A.

Fees

There is no fee.

Effect

Sealed records will not disqualify the person from public service or employment by the state. The person can tell prospective employers they have no criminal record, and court officials report that no record exists. The sealed record is not admissible and cannot be used in court or most other proceedings, though law enforcement retains access to sealed records.Ã‚ ALM GL ch. 276, §§ 100A, 100C, 100D.

Forms

For a petition to seal records in Massachusetts, visit here.

Waiting Periods

The waiting period is 3 years. ALM GL ch. 276, § 100A.

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