Yannetti | Criminal Defense Law Firm | Boston, Salem & Dedham Massachusetts
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Petitions to Seal

A criminal conviction can create difficulties later in life when you are applying for a job, for financial aid, for a loan or an apartment. Depending on the circumstances of your case, it may be possible to seal your criminal record even if you’ve pled guilty to a crime or been have been convicted of one. At the Yannetti Criminal Defense Law Firm, our Boston attorneys regularly prepare, present and argue motions (or “petitions”) to seal for clients who want to seal their criminal records.

In Massachusetts, CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) reform went into effect in May of 2012. As a result, if a charge against you was dismissed, your chances of getting it sealed have improved, whether it was an outright dismissal, or a dismissal after a period of pre-trial probation, or a dismissal after the charge was initially continued without a finding. If you pled guilty or were found guilty of a charge, you may have to wait a certain number of years before petitioning the court to seal your record. An experienced and competent attorney can properly advise you regarding the feasibility and desirability of filing a motion to seal your criminal record. Do not, however, assume that a criminal record must follow you throughout your life.

Massachusetts Criminal Convictions You May be Able to Seal

The following is only a short — and not exhaustive — list of possible criminal charges you may be able to seal:

Traps for the Unwary

Most people — and actually, most criminal defense attorneys, quite frankly — are not aware of the potential pitfalls of an improperly sealed record. At the Yannetti Criminal Defense Law Firm, we have been successfully filing petitions to seal on behalf of our clients for well over a decade. Before proceeding with a petition to seal, we insist on investigating the status of our clients’ criminal records, to ensure their accuracy. There are certified copies of court documents that must be obtained. There are also preliminary steps that must be taken with governmental bureaucracies before proceeding. If you consult with another lawyer who advises you that the sealing process is quick and easy, you may be falling into a trap. Call us to get our perspective based upon our training, experience and knowledge.

What a Sealed Criminal Record Means

Once your criminal record is sealed — and assuming that you have no other criminal history — a search conducted by the Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board should produce the answer that you have “no criminal record.” Consequently, when applying for a job, you may legally indicate on your application that you have never been convicted of any criminal offense. More importantly, you may also answer that you have never been charged or arrested for a criminal offense — even though actually you had! The Massachusetts sealing statute authorizes such an answer. Since employers and information agencies use the Criminal History Systems Board for background checks, your record will once again be clean. Please note, however, that there may be different requirements for federal agencies and/or background checks supported by fingerprints.

Call for a Free Consultation with A Massachusetts Criminal Record Expungement Attorney

Attorney Yannetti and his associates have had considerable success in filing petitions or motions to seal and we understand what needs to be done in order to increase your chances of sealing your records. If you have questions regarding the potential sealing of your Massachusetts criminal record, contact a lawyer online, or call 617-297-9213 for a free phone consultation.

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Client Testimonials

5 Star

In the most painful times in our lives–David, Greg and Lisa showed us their professional best–dignified, warm, gracious. David and his team will not let you down, you will be taken well care of and most importantly superbly and justly represented…
Barbara Lynch

Oh my goodness David is a miracle worker! Unbelievable results! David is so highly respected by attorneys and judges and prosecutors that he really makes an impact in court and presented our friend in the best possible light…

Jude Dasilva

Greg Johnson and David Yannetti are simply the best. After having two other attorneys on a case, I hired them and got results where others failed. They work hard for you and I highly recommend them!…

Vivian Trinh

If it was not for Mr. Yannetti I could have lost my career and opportunity to come back to USA again given that I am not a US citizen. Thank you Mr. Yannetti for all you did for me and my family. You and your office were truly there for me in my darkest hour…

Ajit Gupta

Greg Johnson is a charming attorney and seems to truly care about his client’s and the outcome of their case. If you ever need an experienced criminal defense Lawyer, Yannetti Criminal Defense Law Firm is the one to call!…

Ramone

“I’ve got your back,” he told me early on. David did not disappoint. By showing up with David in the courtroom, I felt I’d made a clear statement of intent. The case was duly dropped…

James Brooks

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