Rehoboth Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Rehoboth, Massachusetts?
Arrest records are public documents in Rehoboth, Massachusetts, accessible to all citizens under the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10). This statute establishes that government-generated records, including those documenting arrests, must be made available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts maintains this policy to ensure transparency in law enforcement operations and to uphold the public's right to information regarding governmental activities.
The Bristol County District Attorney's Office processes and maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. Individuals seeking arrest information may submit formal requests to the appropriate agencies, which are legally obligated to respond within 10 business days pursuant to the Public Records Law. While certain sensitive information may be redacted to protect privacy rights, the fundamental details of arrests remain accessible to promote accountability within the criminal justice system.
How to Look Up Rehoboth Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for members of the public to access arrest records in Rehoboth, Massachusetts. The Commonwealth has implemented various systems to facilitate public access to these documents while maintaining appropriate security protocols. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following methods:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Rehoboth Police Department located at 334 Anawan Street, Rehoboth, MA 02769 during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM) to submit a records request. Proper identification must be presented, and applicable fees may apply for document reproduction.
Online Access: The Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system provides electronic access to certain criminal history information. Authorized users may submit requests through the iCORI portal maintained by the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services.
Written Requests: Formal written requests may be submitted to the Records Division of the Rehoboth Police Department. Such requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, and specific information being sought. Processing times typically range from 7-10 business days in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10(a).
Bristol County District Attorney's Office: For cases under prosecution, records may be requested from the Bristol County District Attorney's Office at 888 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA 02740. Telephone inquiries may be directed to (508) 997-0711 during business hours.
Court Records: The Taunton District Court, which serves Rehoboth, maintains records of arrests that have resulted in court proceedings. The courthouse is located at 40 Broadway, Taunton, MA 02780, and operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Requestors should note that fees may apply for document reproduction pursuant to 950 CMR 32.07. Current fee schedules are available from each respective agency.
Contents of a Rehoboth Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by Rehoboth law enforcement agencies contain comprehensive documentation of the arrest event and the individual involved. These records are structured according to protocols established by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. A complete arrest record typically contains the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, Social Security Number (partially redacted in public copies), physical description (height, weight, identifying marks), and residential address of the arrested individual.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and precise location of the arrest; circumstances leading to the apprehension; and the specific statutory violations alleged.
Booking Information: Booking number, fingerprint classification, photograph (mugshot), and property inventory taken at the time of processing.
Charging Documentation: Official charges filed, including Massachusetts General Laws chapter and section references, classification of offenses (felony/misdemeanor), and case numbers assigned.
Procedural Information: Name and badge number of arresting officer(s), law enforcement agency involved, custody status, bail determination, and initial court appearance details.
Judicial Processing: Court of jurisdiction, docket number, arraignment date, plea entered, and preliminary hearing schedule if applicable.
Disposition Information: For completed cases, the outcome of proceedings including findings, sentences imposed, or case dismissals.
The Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board maintains standards for record format and content pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 6, Section 167-178. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies in accordance with exemptions provided under the Public Records Law.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Rehoboth
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides statutory mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances as codified in M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100E-100U. Expungement permanently destroys records, rendering them inaccessible to both the public and government agencies. The process differs from sealing records, which merely restricts access while maintaining the underlying documentation.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Rehoboth include:
- Cases resulting in no conviction, including dismissals, not guilty findings, nolle prosequi, or no probable cause determinations
- Arrests based on mistaken identity or false identification
- Offenses that have been decriminalized subsequent to the arrest date
- Cases where the individual was under 21 at the time of the offense, subject to waiting periods established by statute
The expungement petition process requires:
- Submission of a petition to the Commissioner of Probation using the prescribed form
- Payment of applicable filing fees (currently $100, with waiver provisions for indigent petitioners)
- Supporting documentation demonstrating eligibility under statutory criteria
- Notification to the Bristol County District Attorney's Office, which may contest the petition
- Judicial review and determination, typically requiring a hearing in the Taunton District Court
Petitioners should note that certain serious offenses, including violent crimes and sex offenses enumerated in M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100J, are categorically ineligible for expungement. Additionally, individuals with multiple criminal incidents on their record face more restrictive eligibility requirements.
The Massachusetts Probation Service, located at 1 Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108, provides guidance on the expungement process. Telephone inquiries may be directed to (617) 727-5300.
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