Massachusetts Felony: Laws, Penalties, Sentencing, and Records

In Massachusetts, a felonyis a serious criminal offense punishable by death or more than one year in state prison. Felony classifications and penalties vary by state; therefore, it is essential to understand how Massachusetts classifies these crimes, the penalties, and how felony records are obtained.

What Is Considered a Felony in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts law defines felonies based on the gravity of an offense and the severity of the punishment associated with a crime. The following offenses are categorized as felonies under Massachusetts law:

• Violent Crimes: Homicide, aggravated assault, rape, armed robbery, and kidnapping constitute a part of these crimes.
• Drug Crimes: Massachusetts treats major drug crimes such as the intent to distribute, trafficking in classified substances, and illegal drug manufacturing as serious felonies.
• Property Crimes: Burglary, arson, larceny of property valued above $1,200, and auto theft crimes fall within this category.
• White-Collar Crimes: These crimes include fraud, embezzlement, forgery, and identity theft.
• Weapon Offenses: Weapon offenses refer to the illegal possession or trafficking of firearms.

Sometimes, a misdemeanor may be reclassified as a felony, especially if there are aggravating elements associated with it, such as prior convictions or threats to others.

• Theft or larceny is classified as a felony if the value of the stolen property is more than $1,200.
• Assaults are felonies if committed with a dangerous weapon or if they cause serious bodily injury.

What Is a Felony in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, a felony is defined as any criminal offense for which the potential penalty includes incarceration in a state prison. In contrast, misdemeanors are offenses punishable by a term of imprisonment not exceeding two and a half years, served in a correctional facility.

This legal distinction is significant, as felony convictions entail more severe consequences, including but not limited to

• Longer sentences and payment of heavy fines.
• Loss of rights such as the right to own firearms or serve on a jury.
• Permanent criminal records, which may affect employment, housing, and immigration status.

In the State of Massachusetts, a felony represents the most serious classification of criminal offense. A felony conviction may result in significant legal consequences.

Felony Classes and Penalties in Massachusetts

Massachusetts, unlike certain jurisdictions, does not categorize felonies into classes such as Class A or B or degrees of severity. Rather, the penalties for each offense are determined by the specific statute under which crimes are prosecuted.

Examples of Felony Penalties

• First-Degree Murder: This is punishable by a mandatory life imprisonment sentence without parole.
• Manslaughter: Depending on the nature of the offense, it carries a sentence of up to 20 years in the state’s prisons.
• Armed Robbery: It may result in a life imprisonment sentence, especially when it is carried out with a firearm.
• Drug Trafficking: This type of crime is subject to mandatory minimum sentences ranging between 3 and 12 years, depending on the type and quantity of controlled substance.
• Larceny Over $1,200: It is considered a felony offense and attracts a 5-year prison term in state prison or 2 and a half years in jail.

This approach ensures that punishment is tailored to the nature of the offense, rather than applied through a uniform classification grid.

Felony Sentencing Guidelines in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, felony sentencing is governed by a combination of statutory provisions, judicial discretion, and guidelines from the Massachusetts Sentencing Commission.

Key Sentencing Factors

1. Statutory Penalties: Each felony offense is subject to a defined maximum penalty, with certain crimes carrying mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment.
2. Aggravating Factors: Cases involving crimes against children or the elderly, hate crimes, the use of weapons, or a history of prior convictions may lead to an increase in sentencing terms.
3. Mitigating Factors: Courts may take into account a number of factors before deciding whether to reduce a prison sentence. These include a person’s status as a first-time offender, their cooperation with law enforcement, and any rehabilitation efforts undertaken.
4. Mandatory Minimums: Mandatory minimum sentences are commonly applied in drug and firearm crimes. This restricts judges from imposing penalties below the prescribed threshold.
5. Parole and Probation: Individuals convicted of crime may qualify for parole after completing a portion of their sentence. Probation terms often involve community service, rehabilitation programs, or electronic monitoring.

Mandatory minimum sentences apply to drug trafficking crimes, but nonviolent larceny may be punished with probation or a suspended term.

Felony Laws and Procedures in Major Massachusetts Cities

Boston (Suffolk County)

In Boston, felony cases are decided within the Suffolk County Superior Court. The court uses specialized dockets when managing complex criminal matters such as organized crimes and gun-related offenses. The public may obtain copies of records finalized in Boston city through the Suffolk County Superior Court Clerk’s office and on the statewide Massachusetts Trial Court Case Access portal.

Worcester (Worcester County)

In Worcester, felony cases are handled by the Worcester County Superior Court. The city actively supports diversion programs, focusing on rehabilitation for first-time nonviolent drug offenders. Case records are available either by contacting the Superior Court Clerk or searching the Massachusetts trial courts website.

Springfield (Hampden County)

The Hampden County Superior Court in Springfield handles more violent felony cases compared with many other counties in Massachusetts. It relies on specially trained prosecutors to expedite felony case adjudications. The public may obtain felony records at the Hampden County Clerk’s Office or online through the MassCourts website.

All courts in Massachusetts are bound by the Massachusetts General Laws, although resources and procedures may vary slightly across counties.

How to Search for Felony Records in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, felony records may be obtained via official and reliable third-party platforms.

1. Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access (MassCourts)

The MassCourts portal is the primary online database for court records in Massachusetts. Record seekers may search using a party name, case number, or attorney name. Information available on court records generally includes the following:

• Case number and docket details.
• Charges filed.
• Court location.
• Case status and disposition.

2. Superior Court Clerk’s Offices

Requests for certified records or full case documentation may be directed to the appropriate Superior Court Clerk’s Office in the relevant county. Also, record seekers are required to bring along fees for reproduction and certification of records.

3. CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information)

Massachusetts operates a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system, which consolidates criminal history data across the state. Members of the public, employers, and landlords have access to varying levels of information on this platform. Records available on the CORI website typically include felony convictions and ongoing criminal investigations.

4. Police Department Records

Local police departments, especially in bigger cities, are responsible for maintaining arrest records and incident reports related to criminal activities within their jurisdictions. Furthermore, requests may be made under the Massachusetts Public Records Law. Access to certain records is typically restricted, including those that pertain to an active or ongoing criminal investigation.

5. Third-Party Background Checks

Several third-party services provide access to felony records in Massachusetts. Although these sources may not provide timely updates, individuals are certain to find more accurate case information on state-recognized platforms.

Open vs. Sealed Records

• Open Records: Most felony convictions are part of public records.
• Sealed Records: In Massachusetts, individuals may petition the court to seal their felony conviction records after a 7-year waiting period, provided there are no new convictions. Once sealed, the record is no longer available to the public, although law enforcement and certain government agencies still have access to it.

Why Understanding Felonies in Massachusetts Matters

In Massachusetts, a felony conviction is associated with several legal penalties, and it may:

• Limit career and housing opportunities.
• Restrict civil rights, including gun ownership.
• Stay on record for years, even if later sealed.

For individuals, employers, or researchers, knowing how felonies are defined, prosecuted, and recorded in Massachusetts helps in navigating the legal and social impact of these charges.

In Massachusetts, felony offenses constitute the most serious categories of criminal conduct. They are distinguished by their eligibility for attracting state prison sentences and imposing longer sentence terms. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts does not employ a conventional classification framework for felonies. Instead, sentencing guidelines are embedded within individual statutes, each outlining specific penalties and mandatory minimums.

Access to felony records is available through local county clerks, the CORI website, and the state’s official website, the MassCourts system. An understanding of these legal provisions is indispensable for those navigating the criminal justice system or conducting legal research.