Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Massachusetts
CORI check in Mass.
I had a domestic a&b charge that was a terrible mistake and it was continued without a finding, does that show up on a record or CORI
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: CORI check in Mass.
Yes.
Re: CORI check in Mass.
Of course it does. A CWOF requires you to have "admitted to sufficient facts to be found guilty of the crime alleged." It thus is carried on your history as an admitted crime, even though you are not "convicted" if you avoid breaking the terms of your probation. This will follow you in Massachusetts and probably any other state, should another partner allege violence, and will assist the partner in obtaining abuse prevention ("restraining") orders. It may also affect your standing in any future custody issue, because Probate and Family Court judges have the right to pull the data without any problem or issue. While it will not be determinative of future issues, it will be of interest, and will cause inquiry at the least.
In addition, any abuse prevention order that arose out of the same action is shown on your CORI/CARI, which will cause inquiry.
I would agree that the actions leading to the charge were a "terrible mistake." Our system has learned that tolerance of domestic violence is more costly than keeping records.
Re: CORI check in Mass.
Absolutely, and you can seek to have your record sealed. If you need help, contact me.