Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Massachusetts

Re: sealing court records

Yes, it is unfair, but you survived prison, so there's no doubt you can survive this!

What you're dealing with is very common, and they really should help people more before they get out, to understand that life is going to be hard because of the conviction, --especially if it's for a serious crime. No one is required to trust you, that's just the way it is.

So: stop looking at yourself as a victim. Look at yourself as a survivor who is dealing with more than you bargained for as a result of your crime. More than most people deal with in a lifetime.

Don't keep beating your head against the wall, because the wall ain't gonna move: find a profession in which your talent is key and your conviction simply isn't going to be an issue. Sealing your court records for a serous crime is HIGHLY unlikely, so look into it by retaining a lawyer, but don't put any reliance on it, because you still have to answer questions truthfully on job applications.

Start your own company from the ground up and provide an excellent service. People will look into your background, but chances are (unless you did something truly awful), they will overlook it. Why not try something that can be done over the internet? Learn to program computers or set up a shop on EBay!! You'll gain a lot of self-esteem, and you won't have to justify yourself to anyone except when it comes to delivering the product or service they pay for!