Holliston Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Holliston, Massachusetts?
Arrest records are public documents in Holliston, Massachusetts, pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10). This statute establishes that governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests, must be accessible to members of the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts maintains this policy to ensure transparency in law enforcement operations and to uphold accountability within the judicial system. Public access to these records serves multiple civic purposes, including community awareness, research, and the verification of law enforcement activities.
The Massachusetts Public Records Law defines public records as materials made or received by any officer or employee of any Massachusetts governmental entity. Under this definition, arrest records created by the Holliston Police Department fall within the category of public records. Requesters should note that while arrest records are generally public, certain information within these records may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections established under M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(26).
How to Look Up Holliston Arrest Records in 2025
The Town of Holliston provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize any of the following methods:
Online Portal Access: The Holliston Police Department maintains a digital records management system accessible through the town's official website. Users may search by name, date of arrest, or case number. The system requires registration for first-time users and may assess nominal fees for certain document retrievals.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Records Division at the Holliston Police Department headquarters to submit requests for arrest records. Staff members are available to assist with the completion of necessary forms and to answer questions regarding the request process.
Holliston Police Department
550 Washington Street
Holliston, MA 01746
Phone: (508) 429-1212
Town of Holliston Police Department
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Written Requests: Individuals may submit written requests for arrest records via postal mail. Such requests must include the full name of the subject, date of birth (if known), approximate date of arrest, and the requester's contact information. Requests should be addressed to the Records Division at the address listed above.
Public Access Terminals: The Holliston Public Library and Town Hall maintain computer terminals designated for public records searches. These terminals provide access to non-confidential arrest information and are available during regular business hours.
Holliston Public Library
752 Washington Street
Holliston, MA 01746
Phone: (508) 429-0617
Hours of Operation: Monday through Thursday, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM; Friday and Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pursuant to 950 CMR 32.00, the Records Access Officer must respond to requests within 10 business days. Fees for copies of arrest records are established in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10(a) and may not exceed the actual cost of reproduction.
Contents of a Holliston Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Holliston Police Department contain standardized information as required by Massachusetts law enforcement protocols. These records typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and residential address at the time of arrest.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including Massachusetts General Laws chapter and section references, and the classification of offenses as misdemeanors or felonies.
Incident Description: A narrative account of the circumstances leading to the arrest, including probable cause determination.
Processing Information: Booking photographs (mugshots), fingerprint records, and personal property inventory taken at the time of processing.
Case Disposition: Initial court appearance information, bail determination, and preliminary hearing dates if applicable.
Prior Criminal History: References to previous arrests or convictions within the jurisdiction, if any exist and are relevant to the current case.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires that certain sensitive information be redacted from public arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and information pertaining to juveniles under the age of 17, pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 119, Section 60A. Additionally, information related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld in accordance with exemptions provided in M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(26)(f).
Expungement of Arrest Records in Holliston
The expungement of arrest records in Holliston follows the procedures established by the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018 (Chapter 69 of the Acts of 2018). This legislation expanded eligibility for expungement and created a standardized process for removing certain criminal records from public access.
Individuals seeking expungement of arrest records must meet specific statutory criteria:
- The arrest must have occurred at least three years prior to the petition for non-violent offenses, or seven years for certain designated offenses.
- The petitioner must have no subsequent criminal convictions in any jurisdiction during the waiting period.
- The offense in question must not be among those specifically excluded from expungement eligibility under M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100E.
- The arrest must have resulted in a dismissal, not guilty finding, nolle prosequi, or other resolution without conviction.
The expungement process requires the submission of a petition to the Commissioner of Probation using the standardized form prescribed by the Massachusetts Trial Court. Petitioners must file at the courthouse where the case was originally processed:
Framingham District Court
600 Concord Street
Framingham, MA 01702
Phone: (508) 875-7461
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court conducts a review to determine eligibility. If the petition meets statutory requirements, a hearing may be scheduled at which the petitioner, the District Attorney's Office, and any victims may present relevant information. The judge then renders a decision based on the statutory criteria and the "best interests of justice" standard established in M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100K.
When expungement is granted, all records of the arrest are removed from public databases, including those maintained by the Holliston Police Department, the Massachusetts Probation Service, and the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services. Following expungement, the individual may legally respond to inquiries as if the arrest never occurred, with limited exceptions for certain professional licensing and law enforcement purposes.
Search Arrest Records in Holliston
