Yes, arrest records are public in Pelham, Massachusetts. This accessibility is in accordance with the Massachusetts Public Records Law which mandates that all governmental records, unless exempted by specific statute, are to be accessible to the public. This includes records of arrests made by law enforcement agencies. The law aims to maintain transparency and accountability within governmental operations.
To get information on arrest records in Pelham, various methods can be utilized. While online options provide convenience, there are multiple ways to access these records:
A Pelham arrest record typically includes the following information:
In Pelham, the expungement of arrest records is governed by Massachusetts law, which allows individuals to petition for the sealing or expungement of their arrest records under certain conditions. Eligibility for expungement includes factors such as the nature of the crime, the outcome of the case, and the time elapsed since the arrest. The process typically involves filing a petition with the court that handled the case, providing necessary documentation, and sometimes, attending a court hearing. If approved, the arrest record is either sealed, making it inaccessible to the public, or completely destroyed.