What Is a Continuance Without a Finding (CWOF) in Massachusetts?

A Continuance Without a Finding (CWOF) is a type of plea deal that avoids a formal conviction—as long as you meet the court’s conditions.

Here’s how it works:
- You admit there’s enough evidence to find you guilty
- The judge “continues” the case without making a finding
- You’re placed on probation, typically for 6 months to 1 year
- If you complete it successfully, the case is dismissed

CWOFs are commonly offered for first-time offenses like shoplifting, DUI, or minor assaults. They can be a good option, but they aren’t invisible:
- They appear on your CORI
- They can affect immigration status
- They count as a prior offense in future cases

I advise clients carefully on whether a CWOF is the best path—and negotiate for better outcomes when it isn’t.

What Is a Motion to Dismiss in Massachusetts?

A motion to dismiss asks the judge to end the case before trial because there’s a legal reason why it shouldn’t proceed.

Some of the most common grounds for dismissal include:
- The criminal complaint or indictment is legally insufficient
- The facts alleged don’t amount to a crime
- The statute of limitations has expired
- The prosecution failed to provide required discovery

Motions to dismiss aren’t about evidence or guilt—they’re about law. I file these motions when the charges don’t hold up legally or when procedural rules are violated.

If the motion is granted, the case ends immediately—without a trial, without probation, and without a record. Even if the motion fails, it forces the prosecution to justify its case early on.

What Is a Motion to Suppress in Massachusetts?

A motion to suppress asks the judge to exclude certain evidence from trial because it was obtained illegally—usually by violating your constitutional rights.

Common reasons to file a motion to suppress include:
- A search without a warrant or valid exception
- An arrest made without probable cause
- A confession obtained without Miranda warnings
- Evidence obtained after an unlawful stop or seizure

In Massachusetts, suppression hearings often determine the outcome of the case. If crucial evidence like drugs, firearms, or statements are excluded, the prosecution may have no case left.

I regularly file motions to suppress when there’s even a hint that my client’s rights were violated. These motions require legal skill, case law support, and thorough cross-examination of police officers.

If your case involves any search, seizure, or confession, contact a defense lawyer immediately. The evidence might be weaker than it looks.

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.

How to Seal a Criminal Record in Massachusetts

A criminal record can hurt your chances with jobs, housing, and education. But in Massachusetts, many records can be sealed—meaning they won’t show up on most background checks.

You may qualify to seal your record if:
- Enough time has passed since your conviction or case closure.
- Your case ended in dismissal, nolle prosequi, or not guilty.
- You can show “good cause” for sealing a non-conviction case early.

Sealing requires filing a petition and, in some cases, attending a hearing. Once sealed, your record becomes hidden from the public (but not from law enforcement).