Wilmington Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Wilmington, Massachusetts?

Arrest records are public documents in Wilmington, Massachusetts, accessible to all members of the public under the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, § 10). This statute establishes the framework for public access to government-maintained records, including those created and maintained by law enforcement agencies. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts maintains this level of transparency to ensure accountability in governmental operations and to provide citizens with information regarding law enforcement activities within their communities. Public access to arrest records serves multiple purposes, including allowing community members to stay informed about local criminal activity and enabling background checks for employment or housing purposes.

The Massachusetts Public Records Law specifically designates arrest logs and booking information as public records that must be disclosed upon request, with certain limited exceptions for ongoing investigations or cases involving juveniles. The Wilmington Police Department, as a public agency, is required to comply with these disclosure requirements and maintain systems for public access to arrest information.

How to Look Up Wilmington Arrest Records in 2025

The process for obtaining arrest records in Wilmington has been modernized and streamlined as of 2025, offering multiple access points for members of the public seeking this information. Individuals may utilize any of the following methods to access arrest record information:

• In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Wilmington Police Department Records Division during regular business hours to submit a request for arrest records. Staff members are available to assist with completing the necessary request forms and identifying specific records.

• Online Access Portal: The Wilmington Police Department maintains a secure online portal through which members of the public may search for and request copies of arrest records. This system requires basic information about the subject of the search and the approximate date of the arrest.

• Written Requests: Individuals may submit formal written requests for arrest records via postal mail or email. These requests must include specific information about the records being sought and contact information for the requestor.

• Public Access Terminals: The Wilmington Public Library and Town Clerk's Office provide computer terminals with access to certain public records databases, including non-confidential arrest information.

• Third-Party Aggregators: Several authorized private companies compile and provide access to public records, including arrest information, though these services typically charge fees and may not contain the most current information.

When requesting arrest records, individuals must provide sufficient identifying information to locate the specific records sought. This typically includes the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Pursuant to Massachusetts law, the custodian of records must respond to requests within 10 business days.

Contents of a Wilmington Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Wilmington Police Department contain standardized information as required by Massachusetts law and departmental policies. These records typically include the following categories of information:

• Biographical Data: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description, address of residence, and other identifying information.

• Arrest Information: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the legal authority under which the arrest was made.

• Criminal Charges: Complete listing of all charges filed against the individual, including the specific Massachusetts General Laws allegedly violated and the classification of each offense (misdemeanor or felony).

• Booking Details: Information regarding the processing of the arrested individual, including fingerprinting, photographing, and property inventory procedures.

• Case Disposition: Current status of the case within the criminal justice system, including information about arraignment, bail determinations, and scheduled court appearances.

• Court Information: Identification of the court having jurisdiction over the case, docket numbers, and scheduled hearing dates.

• Custody Status: Information regarding whether the individual was released on personal recognizance, posted bail, or was held in custody pending arraignment.

It is important to note that certain information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records in accordance with privacy protections established under Massachusetts law. This commonly includes Social Security numbers, medical information, and information related to victims of certain crimes.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Wilmington

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides legal mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records maintained by the Wilmington Police Department and other law enforcement agencies. Expungement is the process by which arrest records are permanently destroyed, rather than merely sealed from public view. This process is governed by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, § 100E-100U, as amended by the Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018.

Eligibility criteria for expungement of Wilmington arrest records include:

• The arrest resulted in no criminal charges being filed within the applicable statute of limitations
• The arrest resulted in a dismissal of all charges prior to arraignment
• The arrest was based on mistaken identity or false identification
• The arrest resulted from fraudulent conduct by another person
• The offense for which the person was arrested has been decriminalized

The expungement process requires the filing of a petition with the Commissioner of Probation using the prescribed form. Petitioners must provide detailed information about the arrest record they seek to expunge, including the date of arrest, charges, and case disposition. The Commissioner reviews each petition to determine eligibility under the statutory criteria.

If a petition is approved, the expungement order directs all relevant agencies, including the Wilmington Police Department, to permanently destroy all records related to the arrest. This includes physical and electronic records, as well as references in databases and indices. Following expungement, the individual may legally respond to inquiries about the arrest as though it never occurred.

Individuals seeking expungement of Wilmington arrest records are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements. The Massachusetts Probation Service provides detailed guidance on the expungement process, and many petitioners choose to secure legal representation to navigate these proceedings.

Search Arrest Records in Wilmington

• Wilmington Police Department
  1 Adelaide Street
  Wilmington, MA 01887
  Phone: (978) 658-5071
  Official Website

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

• Middlesex County Superior Court
  200 Trade Center
  Woburn, MA 01801
  Phone: (781) 939-2700
  Official Website

• Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services
  200 Arlington Street
  Chelsea, MA 02150
  Phone: (617) 660-4600
  Official Website