Legal Question in Criminal Law in Massachusetts

Expunged record

When I was in college many years ago I was arrested for assault (long story) in Brookline Mass. My public defender arranged for probation with my records to be expunged in 6 months on good behavior and community service. How do I find out if my record was actually expunged... not sealed, but GONE??


Asked on 10/09/08, 8:33 pm

4 Answers from Attorneys

Myong J. Joun Joun Law Offices

Re: Expunged record

The surest way is to request a copy of your records from the Criminal History Systems Board. If the CORI record shows that you have no adult appearances, then you know.

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Answered on 10/09/08, 8:55 pm
henry lebensbaum Law Offices of Henry Lebensbaum (978-749-3606)

Re: Expunged record

There is no GONE in Massachusetts.

You can apply for a copy of your CORI.

I think you may have misunderstood your attorney.

If you need help, contact me.

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Answered on 10/10/08, 12:41 am
Dmitry Lev The Lev Law Firm

Re: Expunged record

There is no such thing as expungement in Massachusetts. There is a limited right to request that your record be sealed after 10 years after the case is over. The law is ridiculous and may change in the future, the governor is working on it. By contrast, in Rhode Island the case can be expunged on the day of dismissal. Also, consider that a record of a dismissed case is not a "criminal record" per se. Criminal record usually means a conviction. At most, what you have a record of court appearances.

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Answered on 10/10/08, 8:36 am
Gregory Casale Gregory Casale Attorney At Law

Re: Expunged record

You can go to the court where the charges were heard and ask the probation department to show you your record. They may or may not do so. If they will not, you can get a form from them and mail it, with I beleive a $25.00 fee, to the Commissioner of Probation in Boston and they will send it to you.

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Answered on 10/10/08, 8:32 pm


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