Massachusetts: Adult Convictions (MA-C-7)

Records of a prostitution-related or drug possession case can be vacated at any time if the person's participation in the offense resulted from being a victim of human trafficking. ALM GL ch. 265, § 59.

Record Detail(s)

Human trafficking offenses

Previous Conviction Disqualifying

No

Mandatory / Discretionary

Discretionary

Clearance Process

Petition-based

Remedy

Vacate

Ineligible Category or Citation

This section applies only to prostitution-related offenses and controlled substance possession. ALM GL ch. 265, § 59(a).

Procedure General

The petition is to be filed in a court of competent jurisdiction. For the specific procedure, see ALM GL ch. 265, § 59.

Fees

There are no fees.

Effect

The court vacates the conviction on the merits and enters a plea of not guilty. ALM GL ch. 265, § 59(b), (d).

Waiting Periods

There is no waiting period.

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