Free CORI Sealing Help in Massachusetts

Reviewed: May 28, 2026

Massachusetts calls its process "sealing" rather than expungement, and the good news is that sealing a CORI record has no filing fee — it's free to anyone who qualifies. The tricky part is that the waiting period is strict (3 years for misdemeanors, 7 years for felonies from the date of conviction or release, whichever is later), and the record must be clean during that period. MassLegalHelp.org is an outstanding self-help resource that walks you through the forms step by step. If your case is complicated, the Volunteer Lawyers Project in Boston provides free legal assistance.

At a glance

✓ Massachusetts CORI sealing has NO filing fee — the petition is completely free
✓ Submit Petition to Seal CJIS-JD-cr-049 to Commissioner of Probation
✓ Waiting periods: 3 years for misdemeanors, 7 years for felonies (from conviction or release)
✓ MassLegalHelp (masslegalhelp.org) has free step-by-step self-help guides
✓ Greater Boston Legal Services (gbls.org) and VLP provide free help for income-qualifying residents

Important: This page provides general legal information about expungement and record sealing laws. It is not legal advice for your specific situation. Eligibility rules vary by state, county, and individual circumstances. Always consult a licensed attorney before taking any legal action.

CORI sealing — free to file

Massachusetts CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) sealing under MGL Ch. 276 §100A and §100C has no filing fee — the process itself costs nothing. Submit the Petition to Seal Criminal Records (CJIS-JD-cr-049) directly to the Commissioner of Probation or through the court. Misdemeanors can be sealed after 3 years from disposition or release (whichever is later); felonies after 7 years. Your record must be clean during the waiting period.

MassLegalHelp (masslegalhelp.org) provides free self-help guides with step-by-step instructions for completing the sealing petition. The Massachusetts court self-help centers at each Superior Court can also assist with paperwork.

Free legal aid in Massachusetts

Greater Boston Legal Services (gbls.org) covers Suffolk, Middlesex, and Norfolk counties and takes CORI sealing cases for income-qualifying residents. The Volunteer Lawyers Project (vlpboston.org) matches clients with pro bono attorneys for complex matters. Harvard Law School's Legal Services Center in Jamaica Plain takes criminal record cases year-round with no income cutoff for many services. MetroWest Legal Services (metrowestlegal.org) covers MetroWest and Central Massachusetts. Neighborhood Legal Services (neighborhoodlaw.org) serves the Merrimack Valley and Lawrence area.

Western Massachusetts resources

Western Massachusetts is underserved relative to Boston. Western Massachusetts Legal Aid (westernmasslaw.org) handles CORI sealing cases for income-qualifying residents across Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties. Springfield Partners for Community Action also provides referrals. Call the intake line early — western MA legal aid organizations typically have waitlists.

Frequently asked questions

What is CORI sealing and how is it different from expungement?

CORI stands for Criminal Offender Record Information — Massachusetts's term for your criminal record. Sealing a CORI record hides it from employer background checks and most public searches. Records are not destroyed, but for employment purposes it has the same practical effect: you can legally answer "no" to most job application questions about criminal history once your record is sealed.

Can I seal a felony conviction in Massachusetts?

Yes, if the felony is at least 7 years old from the date of conviction or release from incarceration (whichever is later) and you have not been convicted of any crime during that 7-year period. Some offenses are not sealable — murder, rape, and other serious offenses are excluded. Check MassLegalHelp.org for the specific exclusion list.

Does Massachusetts have automatic record clearing?

Massachusetts does not have a comprehensive automatic sealing program as of 2026. CORI sealing remains petition-based, though the petition is free and the forms are straightforward. Submit the petition to the Commissioner of Probation using form CJIS-JD-cr-049.

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