Clearing A Record
G.L. c. 276, § 100A — sealing on request after 3 years for a misdemeanor and 7 for a felony
Three years, or seven. In Massachusetts, a person may ask the commissioner of probation, on a signed form, to seal their record, and the commissioner complies if the records, including any custody, are at least 3 years old for a misdemeanor or 7 years for a felony, and the person has had no conviction in that time, other than a motor vehicle offense with a fine of $50 or less, here or elsewhere.
An offense that is no longer a crime can be sealed at once, and a felony since reduced to a misdemeanor counts as a misdemeanor. The section does not reach convictions under the firearms licensing sections, or crimes against public justice other than resisting arrest.
A not guilty finding, a no bill or a finding of no probable cause is sealed automatically unless the defendant asks in writing that it not be. After a dismissal or a nolle prosequi, the court directs sealing where substantial justice would be served. A sealed record does not disqualify a person from public employment.
Sources for this section (2)
- G.L. c. 276, § 100A — Sealing criminal records on request
- G.L. c. 276, § 100C — Sealing records of cases that ended without a conviction
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Massachusetts attorney.