What Is A Massachusetts Criminal Record?
Any time you hear someone bring up up Massachusetts criminal records, they are simply referring to the documentation associated with prior offenses and convictions an individual has experienced in their past. Anyone who has a “criminal record” has perpetrated criminal acts in their lifetime. Massachusetts criminal history is a confirmation that a person has done criminal activities in the past. These records will have an effect on their future when getting a job or looking for housing. Details about somebody’s criminal record can be found through the regional and county court system, and may commonly be found by any individual because these records are usually public record. After a long period has transpired, the person with the criminal record may ask that their crimes be sealed or expunged so that they will no longer disrupt their present lives.
Massachusetts Arrest and Criminal Records at the state level.
Criminal court records: Massachusetts doesn’t have a statewide system for criminal court records. Civil and other cases can be viewed at http://www.masscourts.org/eservices/home.page. Court criminal record search can be done at the county level. (see local record resources below)
Statewide Criminal Record Check Services: Name-based record check can be done using CORI system at https://icori.chs.state.ma.us/icori/ext/global/landing.action?page=1&bod=1571240824337&m=presentLanding. A fingerprint-based check can be done at https://www.mass.gov/how-to/access-fingerprint-based-criminal-record-information-safis-r.
Massachusetts Department of Correction (MADOC) Prison Records: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-correction
Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB): https://www.mass.gov/orgs/sex-offender-registry-board
Massachusetts Criminal Records at the county level.
Middlesex County – Lowell, Cambridge
Superior Court (Felony, Civil Actions over $25,000)
978-453-4181
360 Gorham St Lowell, MA 01852
Ways to Search: In person, Mail.
Terminals for Public: Yes
Lowell District Court (Felony, Misdemeanor, Civil, Small Claims, Eviction, Family, Juvenile, Traffic, Ordinances)
978-459-4101
41 Hurd St Lowell, MA 01852
Ways to Search: In person.
Terminals for Public: Yes
Cambridge District Court (Felony, Misdemeanor, Civil, Small Claims, Eviction, Family, Juvenile, Traffic, Ordinances)
781-306-2715
4040 Mystic Valley Parkway Medford, MA 02155
Ways to Search: In person.
Terminals for Public: Yes
Worcester County – Worcester
Superior Court (Felony, Civil Actions over $25,000)
508-831-2000
225 Main St, Rm 1008 Worcester, MA 01608
Ways to Search: In person, Mail.
Terminals for Public: Yes
Worcester District Court (Felony, Misdemeanor, Civil, Small Claims, Eviction, Family, Juvenile, Traffic, Ordinances)
508-831-2010
225 Main St, Rm 1019 Worcester, MA 01608
Ways to Search: In person.
Terminals for Public: Yes
Worcester County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO)
Jail Inmate Records – https://inmatesearch.wcsoma.org/Inmate?lang=en
Public Records Requests – https://worcestercountysheriff.com/facility/freedom-of-information-act-request/
Essex County – Salem and Lawrence
Superior Court (Felony, Civil Actions over $25,000)
978-744-5500
56 Federal St Salem, MA 01970
Ways to Search: In person.
Terminals for Public: Yes
Lawrence District Court (Felony, Misdemeanor, Civil, Small Claims, Eviction, Family, Juvenile, Traffic, Ordinances)
978-687-7184
2 Appleton St. Lawrence, MA 01840
Ways to Search: In person, Mail.
Terminals for Public: Yes for civil records.
Essex County Sheriff’s Department
Public Records Request – https://www.essexsheriffma.org/media/pages/public-records-request
Suffolk County – Boston
Superior Court (Felony)
617-788-8160
3 Pemberton Sq, 14th Fl Boston, MA 02108
Ways to Search: Online, In person, Mail.
Terminals for Public: Yes
Brighton Division Boston Municipal Court (Felony, Misdemeanor, Civil under $25,000, Eviction, Small Claims, Traffic, Ordinance)
PHONE: 617-782-6540
52 Academy Hill Rd Brighton, MA 02135
Ways to Search: In person, Mail.
Terminals for Public: Yes for civil records.
Boston Police Department
Most Wanted – https://bpdnews.com/most-wanted
Sex Offender Registry – https://bpdnews.com/sex-offender-registry
Norfolk County – Dedham
Superior Court (Felony, Civil Actions over $25,000)
781-326-1600
650 High St Dedham, MA 02026
Ways to Search: In person.
Terminals for Public: Yes
Dedham District Court (Felony, Misdemeanor, Civil, Small Claims, Eviction, Family, Juvenile, Traffic, Ordinances)
781-329-4777
631 High St Dedham, MA 02026
Ways to Search: In person.
Terminals for Public: NO
Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office
Public Records Access – https://www.norfolksheriff.com/publicinfo/publicrecords
Bristol County – Taunton
Superior Court (Felony, Civil Actions over $25,000)
508-823-6588
9 Court St Taunton, MA 02780
Ways to Search: Online, In person, Mail.
Terminals for Public: Yes
Free Criminal Record Check Online – Only Civil Records online see https://www.masscourts.org/eservices/home.page.2
Taunton District Court (Felony, Misdemeanor, Civil, Small Claims, Eviction, Traffic, Ordinances)
508-977-6000
40 Broadway Taunton, MA 02780
Ways to Search: Online, In person, Mail.
Terminals for Public: Yes
Free Criminal Record Check Online – Only Civil Records online see https://www.masscourts.org/eservices/home.page.2
Bristol County Sheriff’s Office
Public Records Request – https://www.bcso-ma.us/public_records_requests.html
Plymouth County – Brockton and Plymouth
Superior Court (Felony, Civil Actions over $25,000)
508-583-8250
72 Belmont St Brockton, MA 02401
Ways to Search: Online, In person.
Terminals for Public: No.
Free Criminal Record Check Online – Only Civil Records online see https://www.masscourts.org/eservices/home.page.2
Brockton District Court (Felony, Misdemeanor, Civil, Small Claims, Eviction, Traffic, Ordinances)
508-587-8000
215 Main St Brockton, MA 02303-7610
Ways to Search: In person, Mail.
Terminals for Public: No
Hampden County – Springfield
Superior Court (Felony, Civil Actions over $25,000)
413-735-6016
50 State St Springfield, MA 01102
Ways to Search: Online, In person.
Terminals for Public: Yes
Free Criminal Record Check Online – Only Civil Records online see https://www.masscourts.org/eservices/home.page.2
Springfield District Court (Felony, Misdemeanor, Civil, Small Claims, Eviction, Family, Juvenile, Traffic, Ordinances)
413-748-8600
50 State St Springfield, MA 01101
Ways to Search: In person.
Barnstable County – Barnstable
Superior Court (Felony, Civil Actions over $25,000)
508-375-6684
3195 Main St Barnstable, MA 02630
Ways to Search: Online, In person.
Terminals for Public: Yes
Free Criminal Record Check Online – Only Civil Records online see https://www.masscourts.org/eservices/home.page.2
Barnstable District Court (Felony, Misdemeanor, Civil, Small Claims, Eviction, Traffic, Ordinances)
508-375-6600
3195 Main St Barnstable, MA 02630
Ways to Search: In person, Mail.
Terminals for Public: Yes
Free Criminal Record Check Online – Only Civil Records online see https://www.masscourts.org/eservices/home.page.2
Hampshire County – Northampton
Superior Court (Felony, Civil Actions over $25,000)
413-584-5810
15 Gothic St Northampton, MA 01060
Ways to Search: Online, In person, Mail, Fax.
Terminals for Public: Yes
Free Criminal Record Check Online – Only Civil Records online see https://www.masscourts.org/eservices/home.page.2
Northampton District Court (Felony, Misdemeanor, Civil, Small Claims, Eviction, Traffic, Ordinances)
413-584-7776
15 Gothic St Northampton, MA 01060
Ways to Search: Fax, In person, Mail.
Berkshire County – Pittsfield
Superior Court (Felony, Civil Actions over $25,000)
413-499-7487
76 East St Pittsfield, MA 01201
Ways to Search: Online, In person, Mail.
Terminals for Public: Yes
Free Criminal Record Check Online – Only Civil Records online see https://www.masscourts.org/eservices/home.page.2
Pittsfield District Court (Felony, Misdemeanor, Civil, Small Claims, Eviction, Family, Juvenile, Traffic, Ordinances)
413-499-0558
Ways to Search: Phone, In person, Mail.
Terminals for Public: Yes
Free Criminal Record Check Online – Only Civil Records online see https://www.masscourts.org/eservices/home.page.2
Crimes Which Show up on Massachusetts Arrest Records.
Drug-Related Crimes in Massachusetts
Drug crimes incorporate virtually any sort of actions associated with an unlawful drug like heroin, cocaine, marijuana as well as some pharmaceuticals. The movement of a narcotic will also be viewed as a drug crime. In every state and nationally, officials consider drug crimes seriously as they cause others to become damaged, fall ill, or experience wrongful death. American government is actively battling the war on drugs, causing the prosecution of individuals they believe have breached a national or state drug legislation.
Larceny / Theft in Massachusetts
If an individual makes an attempt or carries out theft of either money or personal property, then it is charged under larceny or theft. The classification of theft is applied when the offense is committed by a person who had legitimate access to the residence or business. Burglary charges are filed when the criminal activity is committed by an individual who wasn’t allowed to be in or around the house.
Burglary in Massachusetts
Originally, widespread utilization of the term ‘burglary’ used to indicate the illegal entrance of a private dwelling, especially at nighttime, with the intention of stealing. Through the years, the definition has changed to incorporate a variety of associated crimes, like illegitimately intruding any building, night or day, with the purpose of stealing. Buildings that qualify for burglary can include places of business, houses and outbuildings like garage areas and sheds.
Robbery in Massachusetts
If somebody engages in robbery, it signifies they have attempted to commit theft in combination with intimidating another individual or acting out against them in assault. Robbery is frequently done against home owners, business staff, and banking institutions. Even if the unwilling recipient isn’t injured during this process, should they be threatened with injury then the criminal offense is considered robbery. A robbery is a felony irrespective of the state in which the crime transpires.
Assault/Battery in Massachusetts
Traditionally, assault and battery had been largely considered independent crimes. Assault occurs when there is a concern with imminent bodily harm; having said that, the law defines battery as the actual bodily injury a victim encounters. Put simply, “assault” is often the beginning of an action, while “battery” is usually considered the ending. Therefore, virtually all statutes don’t make clear distinctions involving these two criminal offenses.
DWI/DUI in Massachusetts
The expressions DUI, OUI, and DWI are used by various states to describe a person who drives affected by alcohol or drugs. Even though these are viewed as driving violations, they are severe in nature. All states have a strong position with these violations because they’re the cause of more than a third of all fatalities on the roadways.
Disorderly Conduct in Massachusetts
The phrase ‘disorderly conduct,’ suitable in all states, includes a number of infractions which include public intoxication, disruption of the peace and loitering. The expression is versatile, and thus it may also cover other disruptive criminal activity. Much of the time, a charge of disorderly conduct is applied by law enforcement officials any time an individual demonstrates disruptive conduct, but they are very likely not a real danger to the public.
Criminal Traffic Violations in Massachusetts
If a person is charged with a criminal traffic violation, they can indeed be looking at time behind bars. Rather than involving more prevalent offenses like speeding, these charges are severe and may even effect an individual’s future for years.
Fraud in Massachusetts
As a white collar offense, criminal fraud will involve a plot to deceive or cheat other people for personal monetary or other gain. Incorrectly representing some truth in order to deceive individuals can be viewed as criminal fraud.
Vandalism in Massachusetts
Vandalism is willfully damaging the property of other individuals. Although generally a misdemeanor charge, it’s a wide grouping that includes the likes of defacing or destroying somebody’s car or truck, dwelling, or personal property. Typical acts include spray painting a fence or car / truck.
Types of Massachusetts Arrest Records.
Massachusetts Infractions Records
Infractions, such as traffic code violations, are usually smaller offenses generally punishable by penalties.
Massachusetts Misdemeanor Arrest
A misdemeanor is more serious than an infraction violation but less severe than a felony. These charges bring about penalties including year or less jail time, as opposed to a felony can include prolonged time in state prison. While a misdemeanor is less severe, it could still include paying penalties and spending time behind bars.
Massachusetts Felony Arrest
Felonies are considerable violations, this is why they come with more serious criminal penalties. Felonies oftentimes include crimes against a person or other things such as property. They can also include fraud, homicide, sexual assault, burglary, kidnapping, arson, armed robbery, or tax evasion.
Massachusetts Juvenile Arrest
A juvenile can be described as an individual that is below the age of 18 in most states, though some take into account children as young as 17. A juvenile record is comprised of offenses that are perpetrated prior to adult years. A few offences which are committed as a juvenile may be charged as an adult, with respect to the offense and the circumstances. In many instances, these records are sealed after a person becomes of legal age.
Massachusetts Arrest Warrant
Arrest warrants are reports issued by judiciary representatives to law enforcement officers. This warrant allows the police officers permission to place a suspect under arrest. To be able to obtain an arrest warrant, a police officer or detective must present a case for probable cause to a judge.
Difference Between Prison vs Jail Arrests in Massachusetts
Nobody wants to spend time behind bars; nevertheless, there are various differences involving arrests that bring about incarceration in prisons and jails. Commonly, jails are for short term stays and are run by area establishments that focus on holding inmates while they serve minimal sentences or else wait to go to trial. Prisons are long term incarceration solutions that were designed to house felons and are run by the state authorities.
Expungement of Records in Massachusetts see https://www.mass.gov/info-details/find-out-if-you-can-expunge-your-criminal-record
Expungement involves the legal procedure for requesting a court to remove or “seal” information from a criminal background. What this means is it would not be viewable by the general population. In certain states, you can get dismissed charges together with a number of convictions taken from your records if you fulfill certain conditions. To have success, a certain amount of time should have passed and the action must also be accepted by a judge. The biggest reason people require expungement is for the goal of acquiring a better job or property.
Neighboring States.
Connecticut Criminal Records, New Hampshire Criminal Records, New York Criminal Records, Rhode Island Criminal Records, Vermont Criminal Records