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Sealing Criminal Records- Massachusetts

Massachusetts Criminal Record Lawyer

How do I Seal/ Expunge my Massachusetts Criminal Record?


Click Here to read my article that provides a detailed analysis of the new Record Sealing Law in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, once you are arraigned in court on a criminal charge, you automatically have a record.  Even if the case is eventually dismissed, it's still on your record and could appear on any routine background check. Fortunately, it is possible to have certain criminal records sealed.  Currently, if you have a criminal conviction for a misdemeanor that is more than 10 years old, or a felony that is more than 15 years old (with a short list of exceptions), you can have this record sealed.  Beginning on May 4, 2012, the new Massachusetts law takes effect which will allow for a shorter time to pass before records can be sealed- 5 years for misdemeanors and 10 years for felonies. 

The new law will also make it easier to have cases that did not result in convictions sealed.  Upon appropriate motion by an attorney, and if "substantial justice would best be served", certain cases that resulted in a CWOF, dismissal, or nolle prosequi can now be sealed, without any waiting period at all.  Once a record is sealed, any background check (other than by law enforcement, organizations that work with children, and firearms licensing authorities) will turn up as "no record" with respect to that record. Further, when asked on any school or employment application, including employment for public service, whether any criminal record exists, you may truthfully answer "no."  I look forward to using this law as a tool to help people move forward with their lives and become contributing, successful members of society.

If you have questions or would like to file a motion to have your Massachusetts criminal record sealed, contact my office for a free initial phone consultation:
Urbelis Law, LLC

50 Milk St 16th Floor
Boston, MA 02109
Phone: (617) 830-2188

Client Reviews
★★★★★
"Ben Urbelis recently represented me in an OUI case in which I had crashed my car. I honestly did not believe I had any chance of beating it, but fortunately for me Ben was outstanding and all charges were dropped. In my first hearing he was calm, assertive and straight to the point. I was extremely impressed and satisfied. I left my hearing feeling confident that I had made the right choice of hiring him. I am positive I would have lost this case and walked away with an OUI if I hadn't. I am very happy with how he handled my case and how reassured I felt having him as my lawyer." MC
★★★★★
"When I found myself charged with my 3rd DUI I was certain without a doubt that I was facing 6 months to 2 1/2 years in state prison. I can’t believe you were able to guide me calmly through the whole nerve wracking process, never sugar coating anything, staying honest and always keeping me informed the whole time. I still can’t believe that in the end you pulled off a miracle to avoidany jail time. I would recommend you to anyone in the same situation. Thank you so much. You saved me.” JL
★★★★★
"I want to personally thank Ben and his wonderful a staff at Urbelis Law for what an outstanding job they did for my son and his friends! Ben went above and beyond for them, with a successful outcome. I would highly recommend Ben to anyone that would need his services, he was wonderful!" Gina
★★★★★
"Huge thank you to not only my friend, but my lawyer,Ben Urbelis..I presented him with a case that at first was a bit tricky on paper... but we worked hard together and got all information we needed to prove i was innocent! He knew from the get go a year ago that he was gonna smash this case, and he did!! Cant thank you enough man! If anyone needs a lawyer, hes your guy... no question" PB
★★★★★
"Thank you for your excellent representation in this matter. Coming from out of town, it wasreassuringto have an attorney who was so well organized and on top of the process. It was very clear that the judge was not only familiar with you, but had a great deal of respect for you in the courtroom. I appreciate all the effort you put into my case, and thank you again for a successful representation!" RC