>Middlesex County Arrest Records Online

Middlesex County, Massachusetts Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Middlesex County, Massachusetts?

Arrest records in Middlesex County, Massachusetts are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, § 10). This statute establishes the framework for public access to government-generated records, including those created by law enforcement agencies. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts maintains a strong commitment to governmental transparency, ensuring that actions taken by law enforcement agencies remain subject to public scrutiny.

The Massachusetts Public Records Law specifically designates arrest records as public information, with certain limited exceptions for ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and cases involving sexual assault victims. This legal framework serves multiple public interests, including:

Promoting accountability within the criminal justice system
Enabling community awareness of law enforcement activities
Supporting journalistic and research endeavors
Facilitating background checks for employment and housing purposes

The Middlesex County District Attorney's Office maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules established by the Secretary of the Commonwealth's Records Conservation Board under M.G.L. c. 66, § 8.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Middlesex County?

Middlesex County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by government agencies and authorized third-party providers. The Massachusetts Court System provides electronic access to certain court records through its public records portal, though complete arrest documentation may require additional requests.

The Middlesex County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides limited arrest information for individuals currently in custody. This resource is updated daily and includes:

Basic demographic information
Booking date
Charges filed
Court of jurisdiction
Next scheduled court appearance

For comprehensive arrest records, members of the public may need to utilize multiple online resources or submit formal records requests to the appropriate agencies. The Massachusetts State Police and local police departments within Middlesex County maintain separate record systems with varying levels of online accessibility.

Middlesex County District Attorney's Office
15 Commonwealth Avenue
Woburn, MA 01801
781-897-8300
Official Website

How to Look Up Middlesex County Arrest Records in 2025

Individuals seeking arrest records in Middlesex County have several methods available to them, each with specific procedures and requirements:

Online Database Searches: The Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access system provides limited case information for matters processed through the district and superior courts. Users may search by name or case number at public access terminals located in courthouse facilities or through restricted online access.
Local Police Department Requests: Each municipality within Middlesex County maintains its own arrest records. Requestors may submit written applications in person or by mail to the records division of the relevant police department. Many departments now offer online submission options through their websites.
Middlesex County Superior Court: For cases that have proceeded to arraignment, court records containing arrest information may be accessed through the Clerk's Office. Middlesex County Superior Court
200 Trade Center
Woburn, MA 01801
781-939-2700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Massachusetts State Police: For arrests made by state troopers within Middlesex County, records requests should be directed to: Massachusetts State Police Records Section
470 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA 01702
508-820-2300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
United States District Court: For federal arrests within Middlesex County, records may be accessed through the PACER system or by contacting: U.S. District Court - District of Massachusetts
John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse
1 Courthouse Way
Boston, MA 02210
617-748-9152
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Pursuant to Massachusetts law, requestors must complete a standard public records request form and may be required to pay reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying services. Fees are regulated under 950 CMR 32.07 and typically range from $0.05-$0.10 per page for photocopies plus hourly search fees for requests requiring more than 2 hours of staff time.

Contents of a Middlesex County Arrest Record

Middlesex County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Massachusetts law enforcement protocols and judicial requirements. These documents typically include the following elements:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, date of birth, address, physical description, and identifying characteristics of the arrested individual
Arrest Details: Date, time, and precise location of the arrest, including GPS coordinates when available
Jurisdiction Information: Arresting agency, badge numbers of officers involved, and the specific authority under which the arrest was executed
Criminal Charges: Complete enumeration of all charges filed, with references to the applicable Massachusetts General Laws or municipal ordinances
Incident Narrative: Factual account of the circumstances leading to the arrest, including probable cause determination
Property Inventory: Detailed list of all items seized during the arrest, including personal effects, contraband, or evidence
Booking Information: Fingerprints, booking photographs (mugshots), and processing details
Bail Determination: Initial bail amount, conditions of release, or detention status
Court Assignment: Designation of the specific court where the case will be heard and docket number when assigned

In accordance with Massachusetts law, certain information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including:

Social Security numbers
Driver's license numbers
Victim information in cases involving domestic violence or sexual assault
Information related to confidential informants
Details that might compromise ongoing investigations

The Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) law (M.G.L. c. 6, § 172) governs the dissemination of criminal history information and may restrict access to certain arrest record components based on the requestor's status and purpose.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Middlesex County

Massachusetts law provides mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances as outlined in M.G.L. c. 276, § 100E-100U. The expungement process permanently destroys records, removing them from public access and official databases. This remedy differs from sealing, which merely restricts access while preserving the underlying records.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Middlesex County include:

Cases resulting in no charges being filed
Arrests based on mistaken identity
Fraudulent use of the arrestee's identification by another person
Offenses that have been decriminalized since the time of arrest
Cases meeting the requirements under the 2018 Criminal Justice Reform Act

The petition process requires submission of standardized forms to the Commissioner of Probation and notification to the Middlesex District Attorney's Office. Petitioners must provide:

Certified copies of the arrest record
Court dockets related to the case
Affidavits supporting the grounds for expungement
Identity verification documentation

Middlesex County Superior Court - Criminal Clerk's Office
200 Trade Center, 2nd Floor
Woburn, MA 01801
781-939-2700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Petitioners should be aware that the expungement process typically takes 60-90 days for administrative review. If a hearing is required, additional time will be necessary for scheduling and adjudication. The Commissioner of Probation makes the final determination on expungement petitions, with judicial review available for denied applications.

Under M.G.L. c. 276, § 100K, individuals granted expungement may legally respond to inquiries as if the arrest never occurred, including on employment and housing applications.