Massachusetts Expeal Guide

Note: The links and statutes were last checked on March 22, 2026. If you're looking at this after that date, please check yourself to make sure everything is still accurate.

Massachusetts allows for the sealing and expungement of certain records. Massachusetts requires the use of a petition and a potential court hearing.

Aspects of the process that are unique to the state include:

• Massachusetts allows you to seal certain records and convictions.
• Massachusetts allows you to expunge certain marijuana-related records as well as certain other criminal records based on a variety of circumstances.

Expeal Ranking

Massachusetts's Expeal ranking is 9 out of 15, or a C+.

This is based on the average of the following scores:

The metrics are defined as follows:

• Clean Slate: 3 if implemented; 2 if proposed or in the process of being implemented; 1 if being discussed; 0 if nothing
• Expeal: 3 if records are erased or destroyed; 2 if records are hidden but still exist; 1 if records are given a notation or some other form of reduction; 0 if nothing or if it requires a pardon or something similar before becoming available
• Tasks: 3 if application alone or automatic; 2 if straightforward court or administrative engagement required; 1 if administrative engagement required before straightforward court; 0 if convincing required
• Wait: 3 if immediate to 1 year; 2 if 1 to 3 years; 1 if 3 years to 5 years; 0 if > 5 years or intermediate step before tolling
• Cost: 3 if < $50; 2 if $50.01 to $250; 1 if $250.01 to $500; 0 if > $500.01

Steps

Below are the five phases that take you through the Expeal process in Massachusetts. Remember: If you have to mail anything, remember to keep a copy of whatever you send and to use a method with a tracking number like the $10.30 USPS Flat Rate Envelope.

Phase 1: Verifying you Qualify

• Step 1: Get Fingerprinted. Visit your local police or sheriff's station and have your fingerprints taken.
• Step 2: Request your Record. Complete and submit your application to request an official copy of your criminal history record. Cost: There is no background check fee but be sure you obtain a fingerprint-supported check.
• Step 3: Review your Record. Confirm there is no disqualifying information in your history. If there is something incorrect, follow the process to challenge the issue. If everything is accurate, make a copy for your file and keep the original somewhere safe.

Phase 2: Collecting your Documents

• Step 4: Request Certified Documents. Collect certified copies of relevant documents. This include a copy of the disposition of the case from the clerk of court that handled the original case and the arrest record from the arresting agency. If you had probation or parole, had to take classes, had to pay fees, or had any other obligations, you need to get a certified copy of whatever proves you completed the requirements as well.
• Step 5: Verify the Final Documents. This may seem obvious, but there have been enough instances of wrong information, missing signatures, or other issues that it is absolutely worth spending the time to review each document you've received and making sure it is both certified and clearly shows you have completed whatever you were required to do. Make sure you make copies of each original file.

Phase 3: Completing the Petition

• Step 6: Prepare your Petition. Complete the petition based on the type of charge and outcome you are seeking. Among other requirements, there are timing restrictions to note: certain misdemeanor reords require three years to pass, while certain felony records require seven years to pass,
• Step 7: Finalize your Petition. Take the completed petition from Step 6, the documents collected in Step 4, and the background check from Step 2, and put them together in a complete package. Double-check every file in the package is the original and ensure you have a copy of the complete package for your personal file.

Phase 4: Final Steps

• Step 8: File your Expeal Request. File the petition with the court that handled the case.
• Step 9: Work with the Court. After confirming the files have been received by the court, wait to hear how they want to proceed in terms of a hearing or otherwise.

Phase 5: Celebrate!

• Step 10: Enjoy your Second Chance! Begin the next chapter in your life with the legal ability to say you were never even arrested for the charges you just cleared! While we understand you won't want to tell people you used Expeal, we do hope you'll recommend us when you hear about someone who could use the service. Best of luck with everything!

Statutes

The following statutes govern the Expeal process in Massachusetts:

• Section 100A: Requests to seal files; conditions; application of section; effect of sealing of records
• Section 100B: Requests to seal delinquency files or records; conditions; sealing by commissioner; notice for compliance; effect of sealing; limited disclosure.
• Section 100C: Sealing of records or files in certain criminal cases; effect upon employment reports; enforcement
• Section 100D: Availability of sealed criminal record information
• Section 100E: Definitions applicable to Secs. 100E through 100U
• Section 100F: Petition for expungement of record as adjudicated delinquent or youthful offender
• Section 100G: Petition for expungement of record of conviction
• Section 100H: Petition for expungement of record without adjudication as delinquent or youthful offender or conviction
• Section 100I: Certification of eligibility for expungement
• Section 100J: Offenses excluded from eligibility of record for expungement
• Section 100K: Expungement of record resulting from false identification, an offense no longer a crime at time of expungement, error or fraud
• Section 100K 1/4: Expungement of record resulting from certain possession or cultivation of marijuana offenses
• Section 100L: Duty of clerk of court and commissioner of criminal justice information to expunge court records and police logs upon order issued pursuant to Secs. 100F, 100G, 100H or 100K
• Section 100M: Failure to acknowledge expunged record as basis for perjury or false statement
• Section 100N: Employment applications and trade or professional licensures; effect of expunged records
• Section 100O: Petitions for expungement and related records excluded as public records
• Section 100P: Exclusion of general public from proceedings relating to petition for expungement
• Section 100Q: Sealed or expunged records not to be available for inspection
• Section 100R: Waiver of right to expunge as condition of plea deal
• Section 100S: Negligence claims; employers and landlords presumed to have no notice of seal, expunged or otherwise protected records
• Section 100T: Notice of sealed and expunged records to Federal Bureau of Investigation and United States Department of Justice
• Section 100U: Administration and enforcement of Secs. 100E to 100T

Official Government Links

Agencies

The following pages are important for you to be familiar with as you go through the Expeal process:

• Massachusetts Court System's official page on sealing records.
• Massachusetts Court System's official page on expunging records.

Forms

The following links lead to official forms required for the Expeal process:

• Massachusetts Court System's official forms for sealing and expunging records.