Newton Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Newton, Massachusetts?
Arrest records are public in Newton, Massachusetts, in accordance with the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10). This statute establishes the framework for public access to government records throughout the Commonwealth. The law operates under the presumption that all government records are public unless specifically exempted by statute. Arrest records maintained by the Newton Police Department fall within the category of public records that citizens have the right to inspect and copy.
The Massachusetts Public Records Law serves to promote transparency in government operations and accountability of public officials. Under this law, arrest logs, booking photographs, and related documentation are generally accessible to members of the public, journalists, researchers, and other interested parties. However, certain information within these records may be redacted to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or other legally protected information as provided in M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(26).
The Newton Police Department maintains these records in compliance with state retention schedules established by the Secretary of the Commonwealth's Records Conservation Board. Public access to these records supports community awareness and civic engagement while balancing privacy and public safety considerations.
How to Look Up Newton Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Newton, Massachusetts. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following methods in accordance with established procedures:
Newton Police Department: Requestors may submit public records requests in person at the Records Division. Newton Police Department 1321 Washington Street Newton, MA 02465 Phone: (617) 796-2100 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Middlesex County District Court: Court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings are available through the clerk's office. Newton District Court 1309 Washington Street Newton, MA 02465 Phone: (617) 244-3600 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Massachusetts Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS): The state maintains a centralized repository of criminal history information, including arrest data from Newton and other municipalities. Department of Criminal Justice Information Services 200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200 Chelsea, MA 02150 Phone: (617) 660-4600 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI): Authorized requestors may obtain official criminal history information through the CORI system, which includes arrest data.
Online Public Records Portal: The City of Newton maintains an online portal for submitting public records requests electronically, which may include requests for arrest records.
Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10(a), agencies must respond to public records requests within 10 business days. Fees may apply in accordance with 950 CMR 32.07, which establishes guidelines for reasonable charges for search time, segregation time, and reproduction costs.
Contents of a Newton Arrest Record
Newton arrest records contain standardized information as required by Massachusetts law and departmental policies. These records typically include the following components:
Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, address, physical description, and identifying characteristics of the arrested individual
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; name and badge number of arresting officer(s); agency case number; and circumstances leading to the arrest
Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including Massachusetts General Laws chapter and section references, and classification as misdemeanor or felony offenses
Booking Information: Fingerprints, booking photographs (mugshots), property inventory, and medical screening results
Custody Status: Information regarding bail determination, pretrial detention, or release conditions
Court Processing: Court docket number, arraignment date, and preliminary hearing information
Disposition Information: Final resolution of the case, including dismissal, acquittal, conviction, sentencing, or other judicial determination
The Massachusetts Uniform Citation format standardizes much of this information across jurisdictions. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records, including Social Security numbers, witness information, and details related to ongoing investigations, in accordance with exemptions provided in M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(26).
Law enforcement agencies in Newton maintain these records in both physical and electronic formats, with retention periods governed by the Municipal Records Retention Schedule established by the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Newton
Massachusetts law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The process is governed primarily by M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100E-100U, as amended by the Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018.
Individuals seeking expungement of arrest records in Newton must file a petition with the court of jurisdiction. Eligibility criteria for expungement include:
- Cases resulting in no conviction (dismissal, not guilty finding, nolle prosequi)
- Cases involving mistaken identity or unauthorized use of personal identifying information
- Offenses that have been decriminalized since the time of arrest
- Certain juvenile records after statutorily defined waiting periods
- Cases where the offense occurred due to being a victim of human trafficking
The expungement process requires submission of a petition to the Commissioner of Probation using the form prescribed by the commissioner. Upon receipt of a petition, the commissioner must notify the district attorney's office, which has 30 days to object. If approved, expungement orders are forwarded to all relevant agencies, including the Newton Police Department, which must then permanently destroy all records pertaining to the expunged offense.
Unlike sealing of records, which merely restricts access, expungement results in the complete destruction of records as if the offense never occurred. Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100T, individuals whose records have been expunged may answer "no record" to any inquiry regarding the expunged offense, including on housing and employment applications.
The Newton District Court provides assistance to petitioners through the Clerk Magistrate's Office, where forms and procedural guidance are available. Legal representation is not required but may be beneficial for navigating the complexities of the expungement process.
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