Expungement in Massachusetts
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Massachusetts allows expungement only for certain misdemeanors and minor offenses, not felonies.
How Massachusetts treats Expungement
Massachusetts restricts expungement primarily to cases dismissed, acquitted, or involving minor drug possession charges. Felony convictions generally cannot be expunged, though they may be sealed under limited circumstances. The process requires a petition to the court, and eligibility depends heavily on the offense type and case outcome. Waiting periods vary but typically range from one to five years after case resolution.
The general definition of Expungement
A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.
Expungement allows you to have a criminal conviction removed from your official record, as if it never happened. Once expunged, you can legally say you were never convicted of that crime in most situations. Not all convictions qualify—eligibility depends on the crime, how much time has passed, and your state's laws. This gives people a fresh start and removes barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities.
Read the full Expungement entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.