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Petitions to Seal Your Record
Criminal Offender Record Information (“CORI”) is information maintained by the Massachusetts Probation Department. It does not include information such as restraining orders or other non-criminal matters that would appear on Court Activity Record Information (“CARI”). A CARI is maintained by the Probate Court to manage records including a CORI, juvenile records, and restraining order information. A CARI is not available to the general public.
Attorneys at KLG are often asked, “What will my employer see on my CORI?” This is a complicated question that is not easily answered. However, if you successfully petition to seal your record, it will make seeing things for employers and potential employers more challenging.
Most criminal records can be sealed by a simple administrative process after waiting a period of time. Around 2014, the laws surrounding the sealing of CORI records changed in two ways:
- Shortened waiting periods by 5 years for sealing of records through the simple administrative process by mail; and
- Allowed judges to seal cases dismissed after probation instead of treating these cases like those that can only be sealed by the administrative mailing process after waiting a period of time.
As a result of this CORI reform, the waiting period has reduced to 5 years for a misdemeanor and 10 years for a felony.
You can request your CORI for $25 here, or our Attorneys will get the information for you, and help you analyze whether you are eligible to petition for your record to be sealed.