What Is a CORI?
CORI stands for Criminal Offender Record Information, which is a record of all of a person's criminal history that is kept by the Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board (CHSB). This includes any arrests, charges, and convictions, regardless of whether the person was found guilty. It will also include any arrests made while you were still a minor.
Sealing your CORI means your criminal record will no longer be publicly available. While your record will still exist, it will be inaccessible to the public and potential employers or landlords. Only certain individuals and government agencies will be able to access your record.
Below we discuss how your CORI can affect your life and the potential benefits of having it sealed.
Reasons to Consider Having Your CORI Sealed
Reclaiming your past is a difficult but necessary process for many individuals. If your criminal record is holding you back from advancing in life, one possible way to move forward is by having your CORI sealed. This can provide invaluable opportunities ranging from job security to housing and education—all while protecting your privacy so you don't have to worry about persistent discrimination. Keep reading for more information on the benefits of sealing your CORI.
Improved Job and Housing Opportunities: One of the most significant benefits of sealing your CORI is that it can improve your job prospects and housing opportunities. Many employers and landlords will conduct a background check before hiring or renting to an individual, and having a criminal record can be a major deterrent. Sealing your CORI can help remove this barrier and increase your chances of getting a job or finding a place to live.
Protection Against Discrimination: In Massachusetts, it is illegal for employers to discriminate against individuals based on their criminal record. However, this does not mean that discrimination doesn’t happen. Without sealing your CORI, employers can still access your record and make inferences about your suitability for a job or position. Sealing your CORI helps protect you against discrimination and ensures that employers evaluate you based on your qualifications and experience, rather than your past mistakes.
Peace of Mind: Sealing your CORI can also provide you with a sense of peace and security. With your record out of the public eye, you can feel more comfortable knowing that your past mistakes will not define your future. This can be especially important for those who may have made a mistake as a youth or had a criminal charge or conviction they have since overcome.
How to Determine Your Eligibility for CORI Sealing
If you are looking to seal your CORI in Massachusetts, there are certain eligibility criteria that you must first meet. Specifically, you must have been convicted of either a misdemeanor or a felony that is 10 or more years old. Additionally, if you were convicted of a felony, you must have completed all court-ordered conditions, such as probation or parole, before sealing your CORI. Once you have met these requirements, you can begin the sealing process by first obtaining a copy of your CORI. from the Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services.
From there, you must complete and file a petition for sealing with the court that handled your case. It is important to note that sealing your CORI does not destroy or erase the information but rather restricts access to it from the general public. This means that certain government agencies, such as law enforcement and employers in certain industries, may still be able to access your sealed records.
Should You Consult an Attorney?
For many individuals, the ability to seal their CORI can offer a fresh start and greater opportunities in areas such as housing and employment. However, the process can be complex. If you're looking to have your CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) sealed in Massachusetts, it's essential to work with an experienced attorney who can navigate the often-complex legal process. Without proper guidance, you run the risk of potentially jeopardizing your privacy and reputation.
An attorney like Adamo Lanza from Brad Bailey Law Associates can help guide you through getting your record sealed, which can be time-consuming and confusing. With a 100% success rate in getting eligible clients' records sealed, Attorney Lanza has the knowledge and experience necessary to help you achieve your goals. He will work with you to create a customized plan, collect all the required documents, and argue your motion in court if needed. Partnering with a knowledgeable law firm, like Brad Bailey Law, will help you have the best chance of successfully sealing your CORI and protecting your privacy and reputation.
Schedule a confidential consultation with our team today. Call us at (617) 500-0252 or send us a message online.