Boston, Massachusetts Defense Attorney - Clearing Your Criminal Record

Motions to Seal a Criminal Record

A criminal conviction can create difficulties later in life when you apply for a job, financial aid, a loan, or an apartment. Depending on the circumstances of your case, it may be possible to seal your criminal record even if you've pled guilty to a crime or been have been convicted of one. At the law office of David R. Yannetti, Attorney Yannetti may prepare and present motions (or "petitions") to seal for clients who want to seal their criminal records.  There are many different entries on your criminal record which pose different issues when it comes to getting them sealed.  If a charge against you was dismissed, your chances of getting it sealed may depend on whether it was an outright dismissal, or a dismissal after a period of pre-trial probation, or a dismissal after the charge was initially continued without a finding.  If you pled guilty or were found guilty of a charge, you may have to wait a certain number of years before petitioning the court to seal your record.  An experienced and competent attorney can properly advise your regarding the feasibility and desirability of filing a motion to seal your criminal record.   Do not, however, assume that a criminal record must follow you throughout your life.

Massachusetts Criminal Convictions You May be Able to Seal

The following is only a short -- and not exhaustive -- list of possible criminal convictions you may be able to seal:

• Drug possession
• Assault
• Weapons violations
• Property crimes such as theft, burglary, arson
• Fraud

What a Sealed Criminal Record Means

Once your criminal record is sealed -- and assuming that you have no other criminal history -- a search conducted by the Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board should produce the answer that you have "no criminal record." Consequently, when applying for a job, you may legally indicate on your application that you have never been convicted of any criminal offense.  More importantly, you may also answer that you have never been charged or arrested for a criminal offense -- even though you had!  The Massachusetts sealing statute authorizes such an answer.  Since employers and information agencies use the Criminal History Systems Board for background checks, your record will once again be clean.

Questions? Contact Criminal Defense Attorney David R. Yannetti

Attorney Yannetti has had considerable success in filing petitions or motions to seal and understands what needs to be done in order to increase your chances of sealing your records. If you have questions regarding the potential sealing of your Massachusetts criminal record, contact me Boston criminal defense attorney David R. Yannetti today. I can evaluate your case and explain the available legal options to you.