Massachusetts § 178 - Requesting or obtaining criminal offender record information or self-audit under false pretenses; unlawful communication of record information; falsification of record information; unlawful request or requirement that person provide his or her record information; punishment
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 178 — Requesting or obtaining criminal offender record information or self-audit under false pretenses; unlawful communication of record information; falsification of record information; unlawful request or requirement that person provide his or her record information; punishment, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 178. Requesting or obtaining criminal offender record information or self-audit under false pretenses; unlawful communication of record information; falsification of record information; unlawful request or requirement that person provide his or her record information; punishment
Section 178. An individual or entity who knowingly requests, obtains or attempts to obtain criminal offender record information or a self-audit from the department under false pretenses, knowingly communicates or attempts to communicate criminal offender record information to any other individual or entity except in accordance with the provisions of sections 168 through 175, or knowingly falsifies criminal offender record information, or any records relating thereto, or who requests or requires a person to provide a copy of his or her criminal offender record information except as authorized pursuant to section 172, shall for each offense be punished by imprisonment in a jail or house of correction for not more than 1 year or by a fine of not more than $5,000 or by both such fine and imprisonment, and in the case of an entity that is not a natural person, the amount of the fine may not be more than $50,000 for each violation.
An individual or entity who knowingly requests, obtains or attempts to obtain juvenile delinquency records from the department under false pretenses, knowingly communicates or seeks to communicate juvenile criminal records to any other individual or entity except in accordance with the provisions of sections 168 through 175, or knowingly falsifies juvenile criminal records, shall for each offense be punished by imprisonment in a jail or house of correction for not more than 1 year or by a fine of not more than $7,500, or by both such fine and imprisonment, and in the case of an entity that is not a natural person, the amount of the fine may not be more than $75,000 for each violation.
This section shall not apply to, and no prosecution shall be brought against, a law enforcement officer who, in good faith, obtains or seeks to obtain or communicates or seeks to communicate criminal offender record information in the furtherance of his or her official duties.
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 178
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 178 cover?
Section 178 ("Requesting or obtaining criminal offender record information or self-audit under false pretenses; unlawful communication of record information; falsification of record information; unlawful request or requirement that person provide his or her record information; punishment") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 178?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 178" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 178 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.