How to get a misdemeanor expunged?
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How to get a misdemeanor expunged?
I have 2 misdemeanors from 2004. They were disorderly conduct and threatening.
Asked on December 4, 2010 under Criminal Law, Massachusetts
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
Misdemeanors can be expunged (sealed) in MA, depending on the crime committed. However, the court will not seal misdemeanor records unless no further convictions have been attained and 10 years have passed since release from probation or final disposition of the case. Since these offenses occurred in 2004, your record is not yet eligible for expungement. If your offenses qualify for expungment, then after the 10 year waiting period is up (and assuming that you have not committed another crime), you will need to file certain documents with the court. There will then be a hearing during which the court will make its determination as to whether or not to expunge your records from public view. In MA expunged records can only be viewed government officials and agencies. Thus, the expunged records are no longer part of the publicly viewable court documents.
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