Free Expungement Help in Massachusetts
Last reviewed: May 27, 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.
⚠️ Clean Slate / Automatic Sealing
No automatic sealing. Massachusetts has petition-based CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) sealing under MGL Ch. 276 §100A and §100C. Misdemeanors can be sealed after 3 years from disposition or release; felonies after 7 years. Sealed records are not available to employers but are available to law enforcement and courts.
How to get a fee waiver in Massachusetts
CORI sealing in Massachusetts is free — there is no filing fee for a sealing petition. Submit the Petition to Seal Criminal Records (CJIS-JD-cr-049) directly to the Commissioner of Probation or through the court. No fee waiver needed because the process itself costs nothing.
Fee waivers (also called Affidavit of Indigency or In Forma Pauperis petition) are typically available if your household income is at or below 125–200% of the federal poverty level, or if you currently receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, TANF, or veterans benefits based on need.
Verified free legal aid organizations in Massachusetts
Every organization below is a verified non-profit or government-affiliated legal aid program. None are paid services. Always confirm your eligibility directly with the organization.
Free expungement help by city in Massachusetts
Free expungement resources vary significantly by metro area. Here's what's available in the largest cities, including clinic schedules and local contacts.
Boston / Greater Boston
Greater Boston Legal Services covers Suffolk, Middlesex, and Norfolk counties and takes CORI sealing cases for income-qualifying residents. The Harvard LSC in Jamaica Plain serves the Jamaica Plain and Mission Hill neighborhoods and takes criminal record cases year-round — no income cutoff for many services.
Springfield / Western Massachusetts
Western Massachusetts is underserved relative to Boston. Western Massachusetts Legal Aid handles CORI sealing cases for income-qualifying residents across Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties. Call their intake line for screening.
Massachusetts free expungement — frequently asked questions
What is CORI sealing and how is it different from expungement?
CORI stands for Criminal Offender Record Information — it's what Massachusetts calls your criminal record. Sealing a CORI record hides it from employer background checks and most public searches. It is not expungement (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.
More Massachusetts expungement resources
- Complete Massachusetts expungement guide → — eligibility, process, statutes, and timelines
- How much does expungement cost? (state-by-state)
- What shows up on a background check after expungement?
- ← All states: free expungement help directory