Lincoln Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Lincoln, Massachusetts?
Arrest records in Lincoln, Massachusetts are considered public information pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, § 10). This statute establishes that records generated by government agencies, including law enforcement entities, shall be accessible to members of the public to ensure governmental transparency and accountability. The Lincoln Police Department maintains these records as part of their official documentation of law enforcement activities within the jurisdiction. Citizens and interested parties may request access to these records through established protocols, subject to certain exemptions that protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and personal privacy as outlined in M.G.L. c. 4, § 7(26).
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts adheres to the principle that public access to arrest information serves the public interest by allowing citizens to monitor law enforcement activities. The Secretary of the Commonwealth's Office oversees compliance with public records regulations throughout Massachusetts municipalities, including Lincoln. Requesters should note that while arrest records are generally public, certain information within these records may be redacted in accordance with statutory exemptions.
How to Look Up Lincoln Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple avenues exist for members of the public seeking to obtain arrest records in Lincoln, Massachusetts. The Commonwealth has implemented various access methods to accommodate different needs and technological capabilities:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Lincoln Police Department, located at 169 Lincoln Road, Lincoln, MA 01773. The Records Division operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays. Requesters must complete a standard public records request form and may be required to present identification.
Written requests can be directed to the Records Access Officer at the Lincoln Police Department. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 66, § 10(a), the department must respond to requests within 10 business days.
Electronic access is available through the Lincoln Police Department's online portal, which has been enhanced for the 2025 fiscal year to improve user experience and processing efficiency. The system allows for secure electronic submission of records requests.
The Middlesex County Courthouse, located at 200 Trade Center, Woburn, MA 01801, maintains court records related to arrests processed through their jurisdiction. Public terminals are available for searching case information Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
The Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board provides statewide criminal record information through its Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system. Authorized requesters may access this system in accordance with M.G.L. c. 6, § 172.
Fees for record retrieval are established in accordance with 950 CMR 32.07. Standard document reproduction costs $0.05 per page for black and white copies, with additional fees for certified copies or specialized search services. Fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals demonstrating financial hardship.
Contents of a Lincoln Arrest Record
Lincoln arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Massachusetts law enforcement protocols and the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) guidelines. These records typically include:
- Biographical data of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, and last known address
- Physical descriptors such as height, weight, eye color, hair color, and identifying marks or tattoos
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory citations and descriptions of alleged offenses
- Arresting agency information and badge numbers of officers involved
- Booking details, including processing location and time
- Custody status and bail determination information
- Case disposition if available (pending, dismissed, convicted)
- Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
- Photographic documentation (mugshot) taken during booking process
The comprehensiveness of arrest records varies based on case complexity and departmental procedures. Records pertaining to arrests involving federal agencies or multi-jurisdictional task forces may contain additional elements or reference supplementary documentation maintained by participating agencies.
Law enforcement agencies in Lincoln adhere to the Massachusetts Arrest Record Content Standards (MARCS) established by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. These standards ensure uniformity in record creation and maintenance across Commonwealth jurisdictions.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Lincoln
Massachusetts law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances as codified in M.G.L. c. 276, § 100E-100U. The CORI Reform Law of 2018 expanded eligibility criteria for expungement in the Commonwealth, benefiting qualified Lincoln residents.
Individuals seeking expungement must satisfy statutory requirements:
- The arrest must have occurred due to mistaken identity or the unauthorized use of the petitioner's identification
- The offense must not involve certain disqualifying categories, including firearms violations, sexual offenses, or offenses against vulnerable populations
- The petitioner must have completed any required waiting period (generally 7 years for misdemeanors and 10 years for felonies)
- No subsequent criminal convictions may have occurred during the waiting period
- The petitioner must demonstrate that expungement serves justice and public safety interests
The petition process requires submission of standardized forms to the Commissioner of Probation and the court of jurisdiction. The Middlesex County District Court, located at 4040 Mystic Valley Parkway, Medford, MA 02155, processes expungement petitions for Lincoln arrests. Court filing fees apply, though fee waivers are available for qualifying individuals.
Upon receipt of a petition, judicial review occurs within 60-90 days. The District Attorney's Office receives notification and may contest the petition. If granted, expungement results in the physical destruction of records rather than mere sealing, effectively removing all traces of the arrest from public and most governmental databases.
The Massachusetts Probation Service, reachable at (617) 727-5300, provides guidance on expungement eligibility and procedures. Legal assistance for expungement petitions is available through Middlesex Legal Services, 60 Gore Street, Suite 203, Cambridge, MA 02141.
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