Massachusetts Criminal Court Records - Massachusetts Court Records

Massachusetts criminal court records are official documents that detail interactions with the state’s criminal justice system. These records include information on arrests, charges, court proceedings, and sentencing. They apply to a range of offenses, including felonies, misdemeanors, and violations.

Public access to these records is a core part of legal transparency. It supports community safety and helps citizens make informed decisions—whether reviewing someone’s history for employment, housing, or personal safety. Some records may be restricted by law, but many are accessible through approved channels.

What Are Massachusetts Criminal Court Records?

Massachusetts criminal court records are official documents that detail a person’s involvement in criminal proceedings within the state. Various courts maintain these records and are key for legal professionals, employers, researchers, and the general public seeking accurate case information.

Under Massachusetts law, these records can include information related to both felony and misdemeanor cases. This means Massachusetts court records may contain data about offenses like drug possession, DUI (Operating Under the Influence), assault and battery, theft, domestic violence, and other violations processed through the state’s criminal justice system.

These records play a central role in tracking the progress of criminal cases from the moment a person is charged until the court issues a final ruling. They also serve as historical records for both resolved and ongoing matters.

Types of Cases Included

Felonies: Examples include aggravated assault, armed robbery, and homicide.
Misdemeanors: Lesser offenses such as petty theft or disorderly conduct.
DUI/OUIs: Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Drug Offenses: Possession, trafficking, or manufacturing controlled substances.
Assault and Battery: Both simple and aggravated forms.
Domestic Violence: Physical or emotional abuse within a domestic setting.

Common Documents Found in Criminal Court Records

Charging documents: These outline the formal accusations filed by prosecutors.
Dockets: Brief summaries of all court proceedings and filings.
Sentencing sheets: Details of penalties, fines, probation terms, or incarceration periods.
Plea agreements: Records of deals made between the prosecution and defense.
Warrants and bail information: If applicable, these documents are included as part of the record.
Motions and rulings: Any legal actions requested or ruled upon by the court.

These records are updated in real time as the case progresses through the legal system, ensuring a current and accurate reflection of case status.

Who Creates These Records?

Criminal court records in Massachusetts are generated and maintained by several court levels, depending on the nature and severity of the offense:

District Courts

District Courts handle the majority of criminal cases in the state. This includes arraignments, bail hearings, and trials for most misdemeanors and some felonies. With over 60 locations, District Courts are the first stop for many criminal proceedings.

Superior Courts

These courts deal with more serious felonies, such as armed robbery, large-scale drug trafficking, and murder. They also manage jury trials and complex criminal matters that require more extensive litigation.

Appellate Courts

When a verdict is appealed, the Massachusetts Appeals Court or Supreme Judicial Court may become involved. These courts review lower court decisions and ensure that legal procedures were followed correctly. While they don’t create the initial record, their rulings add to the case file.

Each of these courts plays a role in building a complete and official criminal court record. Their contributions ensure that both procedural and substantive details are preserved and accessible.

Who Can View These Records?

Massachusetts criminal court records are generally available to the public. The state supports open access to court documents while balancing this with privacy concerns in certain situations.

Public Access

Anyone can search for criminal court records using the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access system. This tool allows users to look up cases by name, docket number, or court location. Physical access is also available at the courthouse where the case was heard.

Sealed or Restricted Records

Some records are sealed by law. This might happen when:

A case is dismissed.
A person is found not guilty.
A judge orders the record sealed to protect someone’s safety or privacy.

Sealed records are not accessible to the general public. You’ll need a court order or legal justification to view them. Juvenile records are also typically sealed and handled by a different set of rules.

Privacy Exceptions

Sensitive information like Social Security numbers, addresses of victims, and certain mental health evaluations may be redacted. Courts take steps to protect both privacy and safety while still offering transparency.

If someone wants to seal their record, they must petition the court and show why it’s in the interest of justice. This doesn’t guarantee approval but gives individuals a process to reduce long-term impacts on employment or housing.

Types of Criminal Court Records Available in Massachusetts

Massachusetts court records serve as a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand a person’s criminal history, monitor legal proceedings, or confirm case outcomes. These records are maintained by different courts across the state and are often accessible to the public—unless legally restricted.

Whether you’re checking someone’s criminal background or seeking information about your own case, knowing the types of court records available can help you access the right details efficiently. Below is a breakdown of the most commonly requested criminal court records in Massachusetts.

Arrest Records & Booking Information

Arrest records in Massachusetts include details such as the date of arrest, name of the arresting agency, charges filed, and location of detention. Booking records may also include fingerprints, mugshots, and bail details.

These records become available to the public once charges are officially filed, unless they are sealed or expunged. You can usually access arrest information through local police departments, county jails, or the Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS).

Keep in mind that an arrest does not mean a person was found guilty. These documents only reflect that a person was taken into custody on suspicion of committing a crime.

Criminal Dockets and Court Case Files

Criminal dockets are official court logs that outline each step of a case. They typically include the following:

Case number
Defendant’s name
Charges filed
Motions submitted
Court dates and appearances
Rulings, orders, and status updates

Court case files go a step further by including complete documents submitted during the case, such as police reports, evidence lists, witness statements, and legal arguments.

These files are usually available from the Clerk’s Office at the relevant District or Superior Court. Many counties also offer online access through the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access (MassCourts) system.

To access criminal dockets, users may need basic information like the case number or the defendant’s full name and birth date. Some online searches are free, but physical copies or certified versions may involve a cost—typically around $0.50 per page or $20 for full certified copies.

Sentencing Documents and Dispositions

Sentencing records explain how a case was resolved. These include:

Final verdicts (guilty, not guilty, dismissed)
Sentences imposed (prison, probation, community service)
Plea agreements
Restitution or fine amounts
Probation terms and conditions

Dispositions are recorded after a final judgment has been made. These records can help employers, attorneys, or members of the public verify the legal outcome of a case.

Most sentencing documents are public unless sealed by a judge. They can be requested from the Clerk’s Office where the case was processed. Electronic copies may be available through MassCourts or directly from the court’s public terminals.

As of 2025, most Massachusetts courts allow in-person and online access. Processing times may range from 1–10 business days depending on the request and the format (digital or print).

Juvenile and Sealed Records

Juvenile criminal records are handled with stricter confidentiality. In Massachusetts, these records are generally not open to the public. Exceptions are made for law enforcement agencies, the Department of Children and Families, and court personnel.

Even though juvenile hearings may happen in open court, the related documents are protected. The same applies to sealed records—these are criminal files closed to public access by court order, often for minor offenses or after a waiting period with no new criminal activity.

To request your own sealed record or petition for sealing, you must contact the Office of the Commissioner of Probation or the District Court where the case was heard. As of July 2025, the sealing request filing fee is $25. You must show proof of eligibility, such as a clean record for at least 3 years (for misdemeanors) or 7 years (for felonies).

Important Note: Employers, landlords, and schools usually cannot view sealed or juvenile records.

How to Look Up Criminal Court Records in Massachusetts

Looking up Massachusetts court records—specifically criminal court records—can be straightforward if you know where to begin. Whether you’re checking your history or reviewing public cases, knowing the correct tools and processes saves time and avoids confusion. Below is a simplified breakdown of how to search criminal court records in Massachusetts using both public access tools and official channels like CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information).

Step-by-Step Online Search Process

Searching criminal records online in Massachusetts usually begins with identifying the right court and using the state’s digital resources.

Determine the Right Court

Before you begin, identify whether the case is from a District Court or a Superior Court.

District Courts handle most misdemeanors and preliminary felony hearings.
Superior Courts manage more serious felony cases.

Knowing this helps you search the right court database.

Use the Mass Trial Court’s eAccess Portal

Massachusetts provides a free online platform called Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access (eAccess):
https://www.masscourts.org/eservices/home.page.2

This portal allows users to search public court case information. It’s available 24/7 and is the fastest way to check criminal court records.

Search by One of These Methods:

Name Search: Enter the first and last name of the person involved in the case. Middle initials can help narrow results.
Docket Number: If you know the court case number, this is the most accurate way to pull up a specific record.
Case Type: Filter the results to only show criminal cases, excluding civil, family, or housing matters.

Search results will include case status, upcoming court dates, and docket activity.

Important Note: Not all older cases or sealed records are available through eAccess.

Access Through CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information)

If you’re looking for an official state record of someone’s criminal history in Massachusetts, use the CORI system. It’s managed by the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS).

What is CORI?

CORI stands for Criminal Offender Record Information. It includes arrest records, court arraignments, convictions, dismissals, and other criminal justice activity in Massachusetts.

CORI is often used for:

Employment background checks
Housing applications
Licensing requirements

What Does a CORI Include?

Full name, aliases, and date of birth
Charges filed
Arrest and arraignment dates
Court outcomes (conviction, dismissal, etc.)
Sentencing details
Sealed or expunged records (limited visibility based on who’s requesting)

How to Request a CORI Record

There are two ways to make a CORI request:

1. Request Your Record
Massachusetts residents can view their own CORI by using the state’s iCORI system:
https://icori.chs.state.ma.us

You’ll need to create an account.
A valid photo ID is required.
The fee is $25 for a standard personal request.

2. Request Someone Else’s Record
If you’re an employer, landlord, or volunteer organization:

You must be certified by the DCJIS to request another person’s record.
Fees may vary based on access level and request type.
The system limits what you can view based on your role and the person’s case status.

Processing usually takes 2–5 business days. Responses are sent via email or through the iCORI portal.

Limitations of Online Access

While online access tools are helpful, they don’t cover every criminal court record in Massachusetts.

Older or Sealed Records May Be Missing

Many older cases (pre-2000) haven’t been digitized.
Sealed or expunged records are not publicly visible through eAccess or CORI (unless you are the subject of the record).
Some cases are restricted due to age (juvenile cases) or court order.

In-Person Visits May Still Be Required

If the record you’re searching for isn’t available online:

Visit the courthouse where the case was heard.
Bring a government-issued photo ID.
Clerks may provide limited access depending on the type of case.

Most courthouses are open Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. It’s recommended to call ahead and ask about the specific case availability.

How to Access Criminal Records by County in Massachusetts

Accessing Massachusetts court records—especially criminal records—can be straightforward if you know where to search and which court handles the case. The process can differ slightly depending on the county. Below is a breakdown of how to obtain criminal court records in key Massachusetts counties, what to expect regarding location, procedures, and any applicable fees.

Suffolk County Criminal Records

Suffolk County includes the city of Boston and some surrounding areas. Criminal cases here are mainly handled by the Boston Municipal Court (BMC) and the Suffolk County District Court.

If you’re searching for Suffolk County criminal records, start by identifying which court processed the case:

Boston Municipal Court handles a high volume of misdemeanor cases and some felonies.
Suffolk Superior Court manages more serious felony cases.

Steps to access records:

Visit the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access system (MassCourts).
Select the proper court from the drop-down menu—Boston Municipal or District Court.
Search by name, docket number, or case type.
For in-person access, you can visit:
- Boston Municipal Court – Central Division
  24 New Chardon Street, Boston, MA 02114
  Open Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Fees:

Printed copies may cost $0.50 per page.
Certified copies: $2.50 per document.

📌 See detailed Suffolk County criminal records info

Middlesex & Norfolk County Criminal Records

Both Middlesex and Norfolk counties process a significant number of criminal cases every year, ranging from traffic offenses to serious felonies.

Court distinctions:

District Courts deal with misdemeanors, preliminary hearings, and some felonies.
Superior Courts handle serious crimes like armed robbery, aggravated assault, and homicide.

Middlesex County, some major courts include:

Woburn District Court
Cambridge District Court
Lowell District Court
Middlesex Superior Court (Woburn)

Norfolk County:

Quincy District Court
Dedham District Court
Stoughton District Court
Norfolk Superior Court (Dedham)

Record search options:

Use the MassCourts public access system.
Search by first and last name, or by docket number if known.
To request physical records, visit the Clerk’s Office in person.

Addresses:

Middlesex Superior Court: 200 Trade Center, Woburn, MA 01801
Norfolk Superior Court: 650 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026

Fee details:

Record copy (non-certified): $0.50 per page
Certified copy: $2.50 per document
Public terminals are free to use during business hours.

See Middlesex County page
See Norfolk County page

Hampden & Essex County Criminal Records

Both Hampden and Essex counties see many DUI-related and property crime cases. While the counties are located on opposite sides of the state, they follow similar procedures for criminal record access.

Hampden County:

Primary court locations include:

Springfield District Court
Chicopee District Court
Hampden Superior Court (Springfield)

Essex County:

Key court locations:

Lawrence District Court
Salem District Court
Essex Superior Court (Salem)

Local search practices:

For fast digital access, use the Trial Court’s eAccess portal.
Visit the Clerk’s Office if you need physical copies or help from court staff.
Bring a valid ID if requesting non-public records (e.g., sealed cases or juvenile matters).

Fees & Hours:

Springfield District Court: 50 State Street, Springfield, MA 01103
Hours: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Salem District Court: 56 Federal Street, Salem, MA 01970
Hours: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM

Charges vary slightly:

Standard copy: $0.50 per page
Certified document: $2.50 flat fee
Some counties allow online credit card payments for record requests.

Visit the Hampden County records page
Visit the Essex County records page

What You’ll Need When Requesting Massachusetts Court Records

To search Massachusetts criminal court records, always be prepared with:

Full name of the individual
Approximate date of the incident or court hearing
Name of the court or county
Docket number, if available

If you’re unsure which court processed the case, start with the District Court where the incident occurred. Most counties post contact numbers and email addresses on their Clerk’s Office page, allowing you to verify court jurisdiction before making a trip.

Can You Access These Records Online?

Yes—most Massachusetts criminal records are available through the MassCourts public access system. This site offers basic case information, court dates, and disposition status. For older cases or sealed records, an in-person request may be necessary.

Criminal Record Sealing and Expungement in Massachusetts

Having a criminal record in Massachusetts can limit access to jobs, housing, education, and more. Fortunately, the state offers legal options to either seal or expunge certain court records, depending on the case. These processes are designed to give people a second chance by reducing the long-term impact of past charges or convictions. This section explains the key differences, who qualifies, and how to file a request to update your Massachusetts court records and improve your future opportunities.

Difference Between Sealing and Expunging

In Massachusetts, sealing and expunging court records are two different processes that help clear your past criminal history—but they work in different ways.

Sealing means the record still exists but is hidden from public view. Most employers, landlords, and background check services won’t see sealed records. Courts and certain government agencies can still access them under specific conditions.

Expunging completely removes the record, as if it never happened. This process is stricter and applies to very specific cases. Once expunged, the event is erased from the Massachusetts Court Records system, including law enforcement databases.

What Sealing Hides—and What It Doesn’t

When a record is sealed:

Employers running standard background checks won’t see it.
The public cannot request a copy.
It remains visible to courts, police, and some state agencies for legal use.

When a record is expunged:

It is permanently removed.
It will not appear in any state-run database.
Law enforcement can no longer access it.

Not all offenses qualify for expungement, and sealed records can still be considered in future court cases.

Who Is Eligible?

Whether you’re trying to seal or expunge a record, your eligibility depends on the type of offense and how much time has passed.

Time-Based Sealing

You may request sealing if:

The case ended in dismissal, a “not guilty” finding, or “no bill” by a grand jury.
A certain number of years have passed since the case closed—3 years for misdemeanors, 7 years for felonies.
You have no new offenses in that time.

Example: If a misdemeanor case was closed in June 2020, you can request sealing starting July 2023.

Expungement Eligibility

Expungement applies to limited cases, such as:

Arrests or charges caused by identity theft.
Offenses committed before age 21 that meet specific conditions.
Errors in law enforcement records or clerical mistakes.

You cannot expunge serious crimes like assault with intent to kill or certain sexual offenses.

Automatic vs. Petition-Based Sealing

Some records seal automatically—this started with a 2018 change in Massachusetts law. Automatic sealing applies to:

Certain non-convictions.
Specific marijuana-related offenses after legalization.

For most other cases, you’ll need to file a petition. This involves paperwork, supporting documents, and often a hearing.

How to File

Filing to seal or expunge your Massachusetts Court Records involves a few key steps. Start by identifying the right forms and making sure you meet the time and offense eligibility rules.

Gather Your Records

Request a copy of your CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) report. This shows everything on file for you in the state’s system.

CORI Reports are available from:

Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS)
https://www.mass.gov/how-to/request-cori

Choose the Right Form

Depending on your case, you’ll use different forms. All are available on the official state website:

For sealing:

Non-conviction records: Petition to Seal Non-Conviction Records (PDF)
Convictions: Petition to Seal Conviction Records (PDF)

For expungement:

Petition for Expungement (PDF)

Submit the Form

Mail your completed forms to:
Commissioner of Probation
One Ashburton Place, Room 405
Boston, MA 02108

For some cases, you may need to appear in court. You’ll receive notice if a hearing is scheduled.

Attend a Hearing (If Required)

If the court sets a hearing, bring:

Your CORI
Completed petition
Supporting evidence, such as character letters or proof of rehabilitation

Be clear and respectful when explaining why sealing or expungement would benefit your future.

Wait for a Decision

Processing time varies:

Sealing usually takes 2–6 weeks
Expungement may take longer depending on the case and court load

If your request is denied, you can request a review or reapply later, depending on the reason for denial.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section covers common concerns about Massachusetts Court Records, especially criminal history reports. These questions reflect what users search for most when trying to understand their rights, privacy, and how records affect them.

Are criminal court records public in Massachusetts?

Yes, most adult criminal court records in Massachusetts are available to the public. This includes records from arraignments, charges, dispositions, and sentencing.

You can request access through the Massachusetts Trial Court system or use the state’s online platform, MassCourts, to search by name or docket number. Some records may only be available in person, especially for older cases.

Can I access someone else’s criminal history?

Yes, in many cases. Massachusetts allows limited public access to Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) through a tiered system. If you’re an employer, housing provider, or licensing agency, you may be eligible for more detailed reports.

For general public requests, you can see convictions and open cases but not sealed records. You can request CORI through the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) online portal. The standard fee is $25 per request.

How do I know if my record is sealed or expunged?

To check your status, request a copy of your own CORI report from the DCJIS. You’ll need a valid ID and personal information such as your Social Security Number and date of birth.

If your record has been sealed, it will not appear in most background checks, but law enforcement and certain agencies may still access it. If your record has been expunged, it should be completely removed from all databases and court systems.

As of 2025, sealing typically applies to misdemeanors after 3 years and felonies after 7 years, assuming no new offenses. Expungement is more limited and depends on factors like errors or juvenile age at the time of the offense.

Do criminal records show up on background checks?

Yes. Background checks often include criminal convictions, active cases, and, in some cases, sealed records (depending on who is requesting them).

Massachusetts has specific rules on how criminal records may be used in employment, housing, and licensing decisions. For example, employers cannot ask about sealed records and must follow Ban-the-Box laws during hiring.

Are juvenile records public in Massachusetts?

No, juvenile court records are not public in Massachusetts. These records are protected by law and are only accessible by:

The person involved (or their parent/guardian)
Their attorney
Law enforcement or the court (in limited contexts)

Juvenile records also do not appear in standard background checks or CORI reports. That said, a court may consider these records under specific conditions—such as repeat offenses or if the juvenile is later charged as an adult.