Petition to Seal Record(S) Under G. L. C. 276, 100c - Massachusetts (Chinese)

This is a legal document that was released by the Trial Court of Massachusetts - a government authority operating within Massachusetts.

The document is provided in Chinese.

FAQ

Q: What is a petition to seal records?
A: A petition to seal records is a legal request to have certain criminal records closed or made inaccessible to the public.

Q: What is G. L. C. 276, 100c?
A: G. L. C. 276, 100c refers to a specific provision in the Massachusetts General Laws regarding the sealing of criminal records.

Q: Who can file a petition to seal records?
A: Any individual who has been convicted or adjudicated of certain criminal offenses in Massachusetts can file a petition to seal their records.

Q: What does it mean to seal a record?
A: Sealing a record means that the specific criminal record is closed and made unavailable for public access, but it may still be accessible to certain government agencies or under specific circumstances.

Q: Why would someone want to seal their records?
A: There are several reasons why someone may want to seal their records, including employment and housing opportunities, professional licensing, or personal privacy and reputation concerns.

Q: What factors are considered when deciding a petition to seal records?
A: When deciding a petition to seal records, the court usually considers factors such as the nature and severity of the offense, the petitioner's criminal history, their rehabilitation efforts, and the potential public interest in keeping the records accessible.

Q: Can all criminal records be sealed?
A: No, not all criminal records can be sealed. Certain offenses, such as serious felonies or sex crimes, may not be eligible for sealing under Massachusetts law.

Q: Does sealing a record erase it completely?
A: No, sealing a record does not erase it completely. The record is still maintained by the court and other governmental agencies, but it is not accessible to the general public.

Q: What is the effect of sealing a record?
A: Sealing a record generally makes it unavailable for public view, and in some cases, the law treats the record as if it never existed. However, there are still certain circumstances where the sealed record can be accessed.