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Franklin Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Franklin, Massachusetts?

Arrest records are public documents in Franklin, Massachusetts, pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, § 10). This statute establishes the framework for public access to government records, including those maintained by law enforcement agencies. The law operates under the presumption that all government records are public unless specifically exempted by statute, promoting transparency in governmental operations and accountability of public officials.

The Massachusetts Public Records Law grants citizens the right to inspect, obtain copies of, and examine public records during regular business hours. Law enforcement agencies in Franklin are required to maintain these records and make them available upon proper request, though certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with statutory exemptions.

Requestors should note that while arrest records are generally public, certain sensitive information may be withheld under exemptions provided in M.G.L. c. 4, § 7(26), including but not limited to:

Information that may compromise ongoing investigations
Juvenile arrest records
Records related to sexual assault victims
Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers

How to Look Up Franklin Arrest Records in 2025

The Franklin Police Department maintains arrest records and provides several methods for public access. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following official channels:

In-person requests can be submitted at the Franklin Police Department Records Division during regular business hours. Staff will assist with locating and providing available records.
Written requests may be submitted via mail or email to the Records Division. Requests should include specific information about the record being sought, including names, dates, and case numbers if available.
Online access is available through the Franklin Police Department's public information logs and arrest logs portal, which provides a searchable database of recent arrest information.
Court records related to arrests may be accessed through the Norfolk County District Court, which maintains records of criminal proceedings resulting from arrests in Franklin.

Franklin Police Department
911 Panther Way
Franklin, MA 02038
(508) 528-1212
Official Website

Norfolk County District Court
45 Shawmut Road
Canton, MA 02021
(781) 830-1200
Official Website

Requestors should be prepared to pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying services as established by Massachusetts law. Current fee schedules are available at the respective agencies.

Contents of a Franklin Arrest Record

Franklin arrest records contain standardized information as required by Massachusetts law enforcement protocols. These records typically include the following elements:

Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, any known aliases, date of birth, and residential address
Physical descriptors such as height, weight, eye and hair color, and identifying marks or tattoos
Arrest details including the date, time, and location of the arrest
Criminal charges filed at the time of arrest, including the Massachusetts General Laws citation for each offense
Booking information including the arresting agency, booking number, and processing details
Custody status indicating whether the individual was released on bail, personal recognizance, or held in custody
Arresting officer's information and badge number
Booking photograph (commonly known as a "mugshot")
Fingerprint records collected during the booking process

In accordance with Massachusetts law, certain information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, particularly in cases involving domestic violence pursuant to M.G.L. c. 41, § 97D, or when disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Franklin

Massachusetts law provides mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. The Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018 expanded eligibility for expungement in the Commonwealth. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 276, § 100E-100U, individuals may petition for expungement if they meet statutory requirements.

Expungement eligibility in Franklin is generally limited to:

Cases where the arrest resulted from mistaken identity or the unauthorized use of the petitioner's identity
Offenses that are no longer criminalized under Massachusetts law
Cases where the petitioner was under 21 years of age at the time of the offense, subject to waiting periods and other restrictions

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Commissioner of Probation and the court where the case was adjudicated. If granted, expungement results in the permanent erasure of records, making them unavailable to the public, employers, housing authorities, and most government agencies.

Individuals seeking expungement should be aware that Massachusetts law limits expungement to one felony and one misdemeanor record per lifetime. Additionally, certain serious offenses are categorically ineligible for expungement, including but not limited to:

Sex offenses requiring registration
Offenses against elderly persons
Firearms violations
Offenses resulting in serious bodily injury

The Franklin District Court provides assistance with expungement petitions through the Clerk's Office:

Franklin District Court
425 East Central Street
Franklin, MA 02038
(508) 520-4900
Official Website

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records are generally public in Franklin, Massachusetts law imposes certain restrictions on their dissemination and use. The Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system, governed by M.G.L. c. 6, § 167-178, regulates access to and use of criminal history information.

Key restrictions include:

Employers are prohibited from inquiring about arrests that did not result in convictions on initial job applications under the "Ban the Box" provisions
Housing providers face limitations on using arrest records without convictions for housing decisions
Certain sealed or expunged records are not available through standard public record requests
Juvenile arrest records are subject to heightened confidentiality protections

The Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) oversees CORI regulations and provides guidance on proper access and use of criminal history information:

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