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Find Massachusetts Criminal Records

Are Criminal Records Public in Massachusetts?

Yes, criminal records in Massachusetts are public records. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) mandates that documents held by government agencies in Massachusetts are accessible to the public unless specified otherwise by law. Specific criminal records may be sealed or expunged, making them unavailable at the local level. To obtain these records, requesters typically need to provide:

The subject's full name, unless the subject is a juvenile.
The subject's last known location, including cities, counties, and states.

Third-party websites also offer search services for criminal records, but they are not government-sponsored, and availability may vary.

What Constitutes a Criminal Record in Massachusetts?

A criminal record in Massachusetts provides official information about an individual's criminal history. This data is compiled from local, county, and state jurisdictions, including trial courts, appeals courts, and correctional facilities. While the standard for record collection and storage varies among counties, many records are organized in online repositories managed by the Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS).

What Information Is Included in Massachusetts Criminal Record?

Subject's full name and aliases
Physical descriptors
Current and past addresses
Fingerprints
Photograph or mugshot
Current and past warrants
Charges
Past arrests

How To Check Criminal Records in Massachusetts

Criminal records in Massachusetts can be checked through the Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS). Requesters can search for records at the clerk of court's office, the state's police department, or the county sheriff's office.

The DCJIS issues Criminal Background Reports, and these records can be obtained online, by mail, or in person. The cost for accessing these records is typically $25, but fee waivers may be available for those who qualify for indigency.

Are Arrest Records Public in Massachusetts?

Yes, arrest records in Massachusetts are public records. These records can be accessed by the general public through various law enforcement agencies such as the state police, county sheriff's offices, or local police departments.

Requesters can search for arrest records online, by mail, or in person at the respective law enforcement agency. Free arrest records may be available, but they may not include all information from the original record.

What Are Arrest Warrants in Massachusetts?

Arrest warrants in Massachusetts authorize law enforcement officials to arrest or detain the person(s) named in the document. These warrants are signed and issued by a judge or magistrate and may also be issued by a grand jury. Arrest warrants include:

Subject's name
Substance of the offense charged
Issuer's name and issuance date
Expiration date (if applicable)
Location and time of the possible arrest
Bail/bond requirements (if applicable)

How To Lookup Mugshots in Massachusetts

Mugshots are police photographs taken from the shoulders up, usually during booking after an arrest. Mugshots in Massachusetts are included in various publicly accessible records such as arrest records, criminal records, and sex offender records.

To find mugshots, contact the relevant law enforcement agency or search through public records databases maintained by these agencies.

How To Search Inmate Records in Massachusetts

Inmate records in Massachusetts are publicly available. These records are maintained by the Massachusetts Department of Corrections and can be searched through their inmate search database.

Requesters can also perform an inmate search at the Department of Corrections' primary record access office located at 50 Maple Street, Milford, MA 01757.

How To Find Massachusetts Criminal History Record for Free

A Massachusetts criminal history record contains information about an individual's arraignment and arrest. These records are maintained by the Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) and are considered public records.

To obtain these records:

Visit the DCJIS "iCORI" Services portal or mail a completed iCORI request form.
A $25 fee is typically charged, but fee waivers may be available for those who qualify.

Are Juvenile Criminal Records Publicly Available in Massachusetts?

Juvenile criminal records in Massachusetts are generally not open to the public. These records document criminal activity by individuals not yet of legal adult age and are maintained by the juvenile court.

Juvenile records remain unless a petition is filed to have them expunged.

How To Find Sex Offenders in Massachusetts

Sex offender records in Massachusetts are publicly available and maintained by the Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB). These records contain information about individuals convicted of sex crimes and include:

Offender's name
Year of birth
Physical descriptors
Conviction and adjudication date
Number of convictions
Convicted crime

Requesters can access these records by submitting a request form to the SORB.

Are Police Records Public Information in Massachusetts?

Yes, police records in Massachusetts are public records. These records are generated and maintained by law enforcement agencies and include various types of information such as:

Arrest records
Investigation reports
Criminal records
Incident reports
Accident reports

Certain information may be exempt from public disclosure, such as active investigation documents and identifying information about individuals.

Massachusetts Misdemeanor Laws: Types of Offenses and Punishments

Misdemeanors in Massachusetts are non-indictable offenses that are generally less severe than felonies. They are punishable by up to one year in jail. Examples include:

Possession of controlled substances
Trespassing
Operating under the influence (OUI)
Disturbing the peace
Disorderly conduct

Massachusetts Criminal Laws: Offenses and Penalties Explained

Felonies in Massachusetts refer to crimes that carry penalties of more than one year in prison. Severe felonies like murder or rape may lead to life sentences or the death penalty. Examples include:

Breaking and entering: Up to 10 years in prison
Rape: Possible life sentence
Manslaughter: Up to 20 years in prison and/or fines
Larceny (over $250): Up to 5 years in prison
Assault with a deadly weapon: Up to 10 years in prison

Overview of Massachusetts DUI Laws

Operating Under the Influence (OUI) in Massachusetts is a serious traffic violation. A driver's ability is considered impaired at 0.08 blood alcohol content (BAC). Massachusetts has zero tolerance for drunk driving, with stricter BAC limits for individuals under 21. Penalties for OUI include fines, license suspension, and possible jail time.

Are Massachusetts Probation Records Public?

Probation records in Massachusetts provide information about individuals serving their sentences outside of custody under specific conditions. These records are maintained by the Massachusetts Parole Board and are generally not publicly available. They may be accessed by authorized personnel or by submitting a request to the Parole Board.

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