Massachusetts keeps a record of every criminal court appearance in the state courts. These records are known as CORI -- Criminal Offender Record Information.
When a person is charged with a crime in a Massachusetts state or federal court, that person has a CORI. Even if the case is dismissed or if the person is found not guilty, there is still a CORI. If the person is found guilty, then that information is also on the CORI.
The state agency that keeps CORI records is called the Criminal History Systems Board, or CHSB.
Many people have a hard time finding jobs, housing, or other services because they have criminal records. Even if a criminal record, or CORI, is very old, it can still create problems. Learn about the rights of people with criminal records and how to deal with CORI problems. We also have some forms and sample letters you can use.
People with CORIs do have rights
- You have the right to get a copy of your own CORI
- You have the right to try to fix mistakes on your CORI
- You do not have to give a copy of your CORI to anyone
- you have certain rights to do with CORI and housing and
- you have certain rights to do with CORI and employers
- You may be able to get one or more of your records sealed, if there was no conviction; and
- You may be able to get one or more of your convictions sealed, if they are old enough.
