Many employers get a CORI that shows only convictions and cases that are open.
As of October 13 2018, you can seal most misdemeanors after a 3 year waiting period and most felony cases after a 7 year waiting period.
If you have any convictions or other cases that are old enough to seal, but you have not sealed them, the cases will be held back from CORI given to landlords, and many employers.
If you have any cases that you could have sealed by mail, they will not show up on your CORI.
Important
Most of the time, you still need to seal your criminal cases.
- If you do not get the cases sealed, many employers can still see old convictions and cases that were dismissed, or ended in a nolle prosequi - when the prosecutor dropped the case, or a not guilty finding. Examples are schools, camps, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.
- If you have a recent conviction or you get convicted in the future, an employer or landlord can see all your past and present convictions that are not sealed.
- If you do not get murder or manslaughter convictions and some sex offense convictions sealed, they will show up forever. It does not matter how old the convictions are.
If your cases are sealed, most employers will not see your cases on the CORI.
But the Department of Early Education and Care screens people for daycare and other jobs involving very young children. They can see all CORI including sealed cases. If you apply to be a foster parent or try to adopt, the Department of Children & Families or the Department of Youth Services can see all CORI including sealed cases.
See Sealing My CORI.