Learn About Your State

Type a new state

Back to Map

Massachusetts: Adult Diversion/Deferral Program (MA-D-1)

Records of a first controlled substance case dismissed after successful completion of probation or continuance can be sealed by the court immediately. ALM GL ch. 94C, § 34.
Record Detail(s)
Completion of diversion or deferral program
Previous Conviction Disqualifying
Potentially, see statute
Mandatory / Discretionary
Discretionary
Hearing
No statutory language
Clearance Process
Petition-based
Remedy
Seal
Ineligible Category or Citation
Sealing in this regard only applies only to violations of ALM GL ch. 94C, § 34.
Procedure General
Upon dismissal following successful completion of probation or the period of continuance, a defendant can request that the court seal the records. For the specific procedure, see ALM GL ch. 94C, § 34.
Fees
There is no fee.
Effect
Sealed records will not be deemed a conviction for any purpose. The person can legally refuse to disclose arrest or any other related court proceeding. ALM GL ch. 94C, § 34
Waiting Periods
The record can be sealed after the completion of probation or term of continuance.  

Back to Massachusetts

Department of Justice Logo BJA Logo

OJJDP Logo

CSG Justice Center

©NRRC 2026 — Privacy policy

The National Reentry Resource Center is operated by the Council of State Governments Justice Center and supported by Grant No. 15PBJA-23-GK-05503-MUMU awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.