List of Crimes That Cannot Be Record Sealed in Massachusetts

Record sealing, also known as expungement, is a legal process that allows individuals to have certain criminal records sealed or erased from public view. In Massachusetts, record sealing can offer individuals a fresh start by removing the stigma associated with past mistakes. However, it's essential to understand that not all crimes are eligible for record sealing under Massachusetts law. Certain offenses, particularly those involving violence or sexual misconduct, are generally ineligible for record sealing. In this article, we'll explore the crimes that cannot be record sealed in Massachusetts and the reasons behind these limitations.

SEE ALSO: Massachusetts Expungement Attorney

Crimes Ineligible for Record Sealing

While Massachusetts law allows for the sealing of certain criminal records, there are specific crimes for which record sealing is not available. These crimes typically fall into several categories, including violent offenses, sexual offenses, and offenses involving serious harm to others. Some examples of crimes that cannot be record sealed in Massachusetts include:

1. Violent Crimes: Offenses such as murder, manslaughter, armed robbery, and aggravated assault are generally ineligible for record sealing. These crimes involve acts of violence or the threat of violence against others, making them particularly serious in the eyes of the law.
2. Sexual Offenses: Crimes involving sexual misconduct or exploitation, such as rape, sexual assault, and child molestation, are typically not eligible for record sealing. These offenses carry significant societal stigma and pose a risk to public safety, necessitating continued disclosure of the offender's criminal history.
3. Serious Felonies: Certain felony offenses that result in significant harm to others or pose a threat to public safety may not be eligible for record sealing. These may include offenses such as arson, kidnapping, and human trafficking, which involve grave violations of the law and require ongoing accountability.
4. Repeat Offenses: Individuals with a history of multiple criminal convictions may face limitations on their ability to seal their records, particularly if the offenses are of a serious nature. Repeat offenders may be viewed as posing a higher risk to public safety, leading to restrictions on record sealing.

Rationale Behind Limitations

The restrictions on record sealing for certain crimes in Massachusetts are based on several key considerations:

1. Public Safety: The primary concern of the legal system is to protect public safety and prevent harm to individuals and communities. Offenses involving violence, sexual misconduct, or serious harm to others are deemed too risky to be concealed from public view, as they may pose a continued threat to public safety.
2. Victim Rights: Many crimes that cannot be record sealed involve victims who have suffered significant physical, emotional, or financial harm. Allowing offenders to conceal their criminal records could undermine the rights of victims and hinder their ability to seek justice or obtain necessary protections.
3. Deterrence and Accountability: By maintaining transparency regarding certain criminal convictions, the legal system seeks to deter future criminal behavior and hold offenders accountable for their actions. Public awareness of an individual's criminal history serves as a deterrent and helps ensure that offenders are held responsible for their past conduct.
4. Judicial Discretion: Judges have discretion in determining whether to grant record sealing petitions, taking into account factors such as the nature and severity of the offense, the individual's criminal history, and their rehabilitation efforts. For crimes deemed too serious or harmful, judges may exercise their discretion to deny record sealing petitions.

Conclusion

While record sealing offers individuals a chance to move forward from past mistakes, it's important to recognize that not all crimes are eligible for this legal remedy. In Massachusetts, offenses involving violence, sexual misconduct, or serious harm to others are generally ineligible for record sealing. These limitations are based on considerations of public safety, victim rights, deterrence, and judicial discretion. By understanding the crimes that cannot be record sealed and the reasons behind these limitations, individuals can make informed decisions about their legal options and work towards rebuilding their lives within the bounds of the law.