Framingham Expungement Lawyer
Helping Clients Seal & Expunge Criminal Records in Framingham, Natick, & the Greater Boston Area
A criminal record can have long-lasting impacts on your livelihood, limiting your employment opportunities and impacting your personal life. Fortunately, you can seal or expunge arrests and convictions in certain circumstances. This prevents the general public from accessing your criminal record, effectively giving you a fresh start.
If you are interested in expungement or record sealing, contact Attorney Robert Cerra. A seasoned legal professional with decades of experience working in law enforcement, he has the know-how to guide you through the process and advocate for your rights. Find out how he could help you in a consultation.
Speak with a Framingham expungement lawyer about your case and options for addressing your criminal record. Call (508) 290-6365 today or reach out online to request a free consultation.
Explaining Expungement & Its Benefits
Expungement is the process of having your criminal record "permanently destroyed," making it inaccessible to the public and government agencies. This means that anyone doing a background check on you cannot see previous arrests, charges, or convictions. In more simple terms, expungement gives you a clean slate.
Who Can Expunge a Criminal Record in Massachusetts?
You may qualify for two kinds of expungement. The first is time-based expungement. For misdemeanors, this type is available three years after completing your sentence. For felonies, it is available seven years after completing your sentence.
Expungement vs. Record Sealing
Record sealing is similar to expungement but does not involve destroying your criminal record. Instead, it restricts access to certain people and entities. This often includes prospective employers, landlords, educational institutions, and others. While it may not completely erase your record, sealing it can still benefit you in many ways. For instance, if a potential employer asks if you have any previous convictions, you can legally answer "no" after sealing your record.
How to Expunge or Seal a Criminal Record
Expungement and record sealing can be complicated, as they require filing a petition and attending a hearing. The petition itself can be challenging. It must include documents concerning your criminal history and extensive evidence supporting your eligibility. Any missteps in the petitioning process could jeopardize your case or cause lengthy setbacks.
This is one reason among many that it is highly recommended to partner with a skilled legal professional like Attorney Cerra. He can help ensure your petition is complete, accurate, and filed correctly. Additionally, Attorney Cerra can serve as your advocate in any official hearings and work to see that you get the benefits of an expunged or sealed record.
Our Core Values
Committed to Integrity, Service,
& Justice for All
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Relentless Advocacy for Those Who ServeFrom VA claims to record corrections, Attorney Cerra combines his service-driven past with legal expertise to deliver the results you need.
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Experienced in Service, Driven by JusticeRobert Cerra’s military and first responder background fuels his passion for fighting tirelessly for Veterans and first responders navigating legal challenges.
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Former First Responder, Proven AdvocateAs a former law enforcement officer, Attorney Cerra brings a unique perspective and unmatched commitment to serving those who’ve served.
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Veteran Supporting VeteransWith firsthand military experience, Attorney Robert Cerra understands the challenges Veterans face and is dedicated to securing the benefits they deserve.
Why You Should Consider Expungement or Record Sealing
Expunging or sealing your criminal record has numerous advantages that can improve your life and protect your future. Apart from the legal benefits of clearing your name, expungement offers:
- Better job prospects - With an expunged or sealed record, you will not have to be concerned about criminal background checks. This can open up more employment opportunities.
- Housing security - Many landlords do background checks on potential tenants. By expunging or sealing your record, you will not face automatic rejection based on your criminal history.
- Enhanced credit eligibility - Certain financial institutions use criminal records to determine creditworthiness. Expungement can help improve your credit options.
- Peace of mind - Knowing that your criminal past is not accessible to the public can bring emotional relief and allow you to live more confidently and happily.