Top Boston, MA Expungement Lawyers Near You
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101 Arch Street, Suite 1800, Boston, MA 02110
One Beacon Street, Suite 25300, Boston, MA 02108
50 Federal Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02110
119 Fisher St, Suite One, Westwood, MA 02090
1266 Furnace Brook Parkway, The Willard Building - Suite 400, Quincy, MA 02169
44 Washington Street, Suite 150, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481
607 N Ave, Suite 18 2nd Floor, Wakefield, MA 01880
15 Broad Street, #800, Boston, MA 02109
555 Pleasant St, Suite 5A, New Bedford, MA 02740
PO Box 254, Walpole, MA 02081
572 Washington Street, Suite 19, Wellesley, MA 02482
1234 Hyde Park Avenue, Suite 102, Hyde Park, MA 02136
One Financial Center, Suite 3500, Boston, MA 02111
PO Box 441253, Somerville, MA 02144
21 Cummings Park, Suite 270, Woburn, MA 01801
52 Western Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139
1256 Park Street, Suite 104, Stoughton, MA 02072
60 State St, 36th Floor, Boston, MA 02109
401 County Street, New Bedford, MA 02740
33 Arch Street, 26th Floor, Boston, MA 02110
75 Arlington Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02116
200 Clarendon St, Floor 58, Boston, MA 02116
145 Tremont Street, 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02111
20 Park Plaza, Suite 1000, Boston, MA 02116
240 Elm St, Somerville, MA 02144
Boston Expungement Information
Lead Counsel independently verifies Expungement attorneys in Boston and checks their standing with Massachusetts bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria
Ample Experience
Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.Good Standing
Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.Annual Review
Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.Client Commitment
Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.
How Long Does Expungement Take in Massachusetts?
The length of time it takes to have a record expunged turns not only on the laws in Massachusetts, but a number of other factors as well. In most jurisdictions that allow expungement, the type of record you wish to have expunged dictates the necessary period of time that must pass before you may even apply. Once you are eligible, Massachusetts has its own specific process and required filings to initiate the process. There may be delays in the process if Massachusetts requires the prosecutor to sign off on the expungement, or if your records need to be expunged from other state agencies as well such as the Department of Motor Vehicles. Applying for an expungement process tends to be a very “hurry-up-and-wait” process, so it’s good to get a jump start on the process as soon as you become eligible.
How Do You File for an Expungement in Massachusetts?
Oftentimes, the expungement process begins by serving, or delivering, an application or petition to the prosecutor’s office. Some states require the prosecutor to sign off on the application before the court will even consider expunging an offense from your record. Other states may need you or your attorney to file an Order of Expungement with the court for review and signature by a judge. With your application or order, you likely need to include court records or other documentation regarding your original conviction for the court to review. For less serious offenses, your process may end here and your expungement may be granted. If your petition is denied, you have a criminal history, or you are dealing with a more serious offense, you may need to go to a court hearing for the judge to make a determination or the court may request you provide additional documentation.
When Are You Eligible for an Expungement in Massachusetts?
Eligibility for expungement is not only dictated by the laws in your state, but by the type of criminal offense as well. Typically, state law outlines the amount of time that must pass before you are eligible for expungement for your specific offense. However, the severity of your offense, whether you were convicted, and your criminal history in general may push back your eligibility date. A criminal defense attorney in Boston can serve as a knowledgeable resource to help you determine when you are eligible as well as assisting you with preparing for the process in a timely manner.
What Happens To Your Record After an Expungement?
Sometimes having a record expunged is referred to as “setting aside a conviction.” An expungement generally erases or hides your criminal record under most circumstances. This hides the arrest or conviction from public records and generally out of view from any background searches. Once the record is expunged, you typically do not need to disclose it. This makes it easier for many when applying for a new job, school, or apartment. However, it is not completely erased, as certain government agencies entities such as law enforcement or criminal courts may be able to see previous arrests or convictions and it may exist on other platforms that had it prior to the expungement. Even an expunged record may affect sentencing in future legal proceedings or lead to immigration issues.
How Much Does an Expungement Cost?
The total cost for an expungement can vary case by case. Depending on your state and records you wish to have expunged, the process could be as little as a few hundred dollars and go up to thousands of dollars. Most states have a specific fee that must be paid when initially applying for expungement. You may need to request court records or complete other court filings, which may come with additional fees determined by the jurisdiction. That being said, some states offer waivers to those with financial hardship to offset the costs associated with expungement. Sometimes you may need to have the records expunged from multiple state agencies, which may add more fees as well. Or you may need to pay fees to have driving or professional licenses reinstated. Another important expense to consider when applying for an expungement is attorney fees.
Are There Any Expungement Lawyers Near Me In Boston, MA?
Taking the next step forward to clean up your past record and work toward a brighter future should start with consulting with an experienced expungement attorney. Finding the right fit for your case may seem like a daunting task but there are a number of attorneys in your area ready to help advocate on behalf of clients just like you. The LawInfo directory can help you find verified expungement lawyers in Boston.