Yes, arrest records are public in Somerville, Massachusetts. This accessibility is in accordance with the Massachusetts Public Records Law, which mandates that all governmental records, except those exempt by specific statute, be accessible to the public. This law ensures transparency and accountability in government, allowing citizens to obtain records that include arrests, unless such disclosure compromises an ongoing investigation or violates privacy rights.
To get Somerville arrest records in 2024, individuals have multiple options available. These methods cater to both digital and traditional preferences for information retrieval:
A Somerville arrest record typically includes the following information:
In Somerville, the expungement of arrest records is possible under certain conditions. This process is primarily available to individuals who can prove that their arrest was based on a mistake or was unjustified. The expungement process involves filing a petition with the court, which then reviews the case details. If the court determines that the criteria for expungement are met, it may order the arrest record to be sealed or destroyed, thereby removing it from public access and official databases.