Your criminal record can affect your ability to get a job, rent an apartment, or obtain a professional license. In Massachusetts, that record is called a CORI. Understanding how to get your own CORI is the first step to protecting your future, and it’s likely something your attorney will need to review.
What Is a CORI?
CORI stands for Criminal Offender Record Information. It is the official record of a person’s interactions with the Massachusetts criminal justice system, maintained by the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS).
A CORI report can include arrests, charges, and dispositions, meaning the outcome of each case.
Outcomes can include convictions, dismissals, and continuances without a finding. A CORI is not always a complete picture of someone’s full criminal history. Sealed records, out-of-state charges, and federal cases generally do not appear.
Who Can Request CORI Records?
You have the right to request your own CORI at any time. Employers, landlords, and certain agencies can also access a limited version of your CORI, typically with your written authorization. Knowing what others can see is a strong reason to review your record before a job application or housing search.
How to Get Your Own CORI (Step-by-Step)
There are two ways to request your CORI: online through the iCORI system or by mail. Choose the track that works for you below.
Online (Fastest)
- Create an account on the iCORI system. Go to the DCJIS website and register for an iCORI account. You will need to verify your identity before proceeding.
- Gather your information. Have a valid government-issued photo ID ready, along with your full name, date of birth, and payment method. Your Social Security Number may be requested.
- Submit your request and pay the fee. Complete the online form and pay the approximately $25 fee. Fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances. Processing is typically completed within a few days, and often the same day.
- Receive and review your CORI. Once processed, you will receive your report. Confirm your identifying information is accurate, that every case listed is actually yours, and that any sealed records are not appearing.
By Mail
- Download and complete the CORI request form. The form is available on the DCJIS website. Fill it out completely and accurately.
- Gather your documents and payment. Include a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID and a check or money order for the approximately $25 fee made payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
- Mail everything to DCJIS. Send your completed form, ID copy, and payment to the address listed on the form. Processing can take one to two weeks or longer.
- Receive and review your CORI. When the report arrives, review it carefully for accuracy, including all case listings and dispositions.
What Shows Up on a CORI Report?
A CORI reflects your history within the Massachusetts court system, including arraignments, charges, and case outcomes. An arraignment will appear on your CORI even if the case was later dismissed. Out-of-state records, federal charges, and sealed records generally do not appear.
Common CORI Mistakes to Avoid
- Entering incorrect identifying information. A small error in your name or date of birth can affect your results.
- Using the wrong request type. Confirm you are requesting a personal CORI and not another category.
- Not checking for sealed records. If you believe records were sealed, verify they are not showing up. A sealing order does not always mean every system was updated.
- Assuming the CORI is complete. A clean CORI does not mean no criminal history will surface elsewhere.
How to Fix Errors on Your CORI
If your CORI contains incorrect information, you have the right to dispute it. Contact DCJIS in writing and provide documentation supporting the correction. Common errors include cases that do not belong to you or dispositions listed incorrectly. Inaccurate information on a CORI can cost someone a job offer or a housing opportunity.
When to Speak With a Defense Attorney
If your CORI shows entries affecting your employment or housing, legal options may be available, including record sealing or expungement under Massachusetts law. An attorney can help you understand what your record looks like to others and what steps are available to you.
If your CORI is affecting your job, housing, or future, don’t guess your next move. At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we help clients take control of their records and protect their opportunities.
