How to Expunge a Criminal Record in Massachusetts

Unlike sealing, expungement wipes the record out completely—as if it never existed.

Massachusetts allows expungement in limited cases:
- If the record was created due to identity theft or fraud.
- If the offense is eligible under the one-time youthful offender statute.
- If the record resulted from police or court error.

Expungement is hard to get, but powerful if granted. It requires filing a petition, supplying documentation, and often appearing for a hearing.